Win a free ant colony & nest competition

[Wood~Ant]

Here is your chance to win a colony of Camponotus compressus in an acrylic nest. Just enter our competition by giving the correct answers to these questions, and send them to me in a PM. This competition ends on Friday 14 April 2017, and the winner will be informed on the 15th. Good luck
Sorry, but this is only open for active members of Ant Egg rank and above. None posters are not eligible.

1. What is a Jack Jumper best known for and to what genus does it belong?

2. What is this Myrmica rubra worker ant doing? Open a larger photo by clicking on the thumbnail.



3. Ants use pheromones to lay down a trail. What is a pheromone?

4. Who wrote the book on British ants simply called Ants?

a) William Shakespeare.
b) David Attenborough.
c) M. V. Brian.

5. What is happening in this photo of wood ants? Click open to view larger.

[Wood~Ant]

Several members have now entered, and their names will be placed in a prize draw as most have given the correct answers.

[Wood~Ant]

7 days left before this competition closes, so if you wish to take part send me your answers in a PM.

[Wood~Ant]

This competition is now closed and the lucky winner will be notified by email.

The answers were as follows}

1. Jack Jumpers are ants belonging to the genus Myrmecia and can jump or leap when attacking or to catch prey.

2. The ant is herding her cattle, which are of course aphids. By gently tapping and stroking them with her antennae they exude a sweet liquid better known as honey dew.

3. Pheromones are the chemical scent used by ants and other insects for communicating. Trails are laid down for other ants to follow, and depending on the strength of the scent, ants can find their way to a source of food and identify other ants from their own colony.

4. The book called "Ants" was written by Dr. M. V. Brian in 1977.

5. Wood Ants mainly spray formic acid in defence rather than attack, and while it is said they can spray up to 12 inches (30 CMs) high, 6 or 7 inches is usually more normal from my own personal experience of these ants in the defence of their nest mounds in the wild.

Thanks to all members who participated.