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Post by IceWhyte on Aug 18, 2011 20:56:58 GMT
Hello all, I have noticed that a lot of people use the red sheets to cover the ants nest and I am aware that certain animals can't see the colour red so it acts as darkness. What I want to know is if it is a fact that ants can't see red?
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Post by Wood~Ant on Aug 19, 2011 7:09:44 GMT
It has neither been proved or disproved conclusively that ants cannot see light in the red spectrum, however it does appear that red light bothers them much less than white light. For this reason it is fairly safe to assume that they are not affected by red, as they don't react with panic. So by viewing them under a red light, or covering the nest with clear red cellophane, their stress levels are greatly reduced
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Post by fry on Aug 30, 2011 9:59:42 GMT
I use red A4 acetate sheets on mine for the rubra colony and they have no problems with it even going right to the side and digging along side it's the same with the Niger colony. I put a piece on top of the test tube with the queen & daughters & they do not mind me looking at them but if I take it off they go mad rushing about all over
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jennifer
Leaf Cutter Ant
Posts: 74
Likes: 27
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Post by jennifer on Sept 2, 2011 20:33:42 GMT
I have used red sheets on one test tube and a dark orange/red pill bottle, when I take the red sheet off the test tube the queen becomes agitated.. and moves around rather restless. Not sure if they see red or not but it certainly makes it darker somewhat, perhaps that's what makes it successful.. it just dilutes the amount of light getting in making them feel more comfortable while making them visible. When researching this myself, Ant store had a different view and recommended black sheets for Lasius species as I quote **ideal alternative to the red transparent cover sheeting (above all, for some ant species which perceive red light, e.g., Lasius niger). It is suitable especially well for photosensitive and red light perceiving species** source : antstore.net/shop/product_info.php/info/p471_foil-black---10cm-x-100cm.htmlSo perhaps some do.. some don't.. depending on the species. I'm guessing ground dwelling species such as Flavius wouldn't notice if you stuck strobe lighting on them.. (don't try this though) I'm sure they are very photosensitive!
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