I have been sustaining my Yellow Meadow Ants (Lasius flavus) colony on the below and have found it to be a suitable replacement in the absence of root aphids:
1/3 water (regular tap-water will do, but rain water is best)
1/3 honey (locally sourced if possible, a beekeeper who doesn't use miticide)
1/3 beaten egg
I've used maple syrup in place of honey with equal success. Golden syrup, toffee sauce etc would make suitable replacements if you don't have honey or maple syrup to hand. I provide tiny droplets on living plant leaves or flat stones within the formicarium, typically within their foraging range but not on the nest mound itself. I never supply more than will be consumed within fifteen minutes.
Tags: flavus | Keeping Ants
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