|
Fly ants can
be collected and fed annually. In South Africa they appear
sporadically between the November and January after good
rains, sometimes before another good shower. They can be
collected by hand and stored in a bottle with small holes in
the lid for a few days. Reduced temperatures (i.e.
refrigeration) will induce a reversible slumber with a
reduced activity which almost preserves some of their
nutrients. After being stored in the refrigerator, they can
be “defrosted” at room temperature for the first few days.
After longer periods of time they will start to die off.
Only wake up the amount that is going to be fed and keep the
rest asleep. Wings that are still attached should not be
removed. Fly ants seems very tasty and is a joy to feed to
baby and juvenile lizards, various frog and toad species,
birds, primates, fish and arachnids. Some
lizards like Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) will
take them dead or alive.
Because these feeder insects are wild
caught, they are an excellent source of natural vitmains and
minerals. When they are stored however, they loose this
content and need additional
dusting to
supplement the animals consuming them. |
2006-2009 Renier Delport -