Leaf Cutting Ant Forum

Has anyone fed a plant, fruit or vegetable which caused a problem with the ants or the fungus. Maybe worth a list of items to not go anywhere near.

Is it just a case if you provide something that is not good for them they just leave it alone?

I've never had a problem trying anything, they don't always take them obviously. Only ensuring there pesticide free. Be interesting to hear if anyone has actually experienced an issue with a plant

I did pop a Euphorbia Pulcherima leaf in the tank, one went at it straight away then seemed to be in distress so the leaf was promptly removed!

Theres a plant, can remember the name off the top of my head. I read a paper recently about it. If you take a leaf and place it in the line of ants coming from the nest they will cut it and carry it back. But this plant kills the fungus and after a time, if you give them enough, the colony reduces dramatically in size. Its being touted as a natural control for ants. Like I say I cant remember the name but I will look it up.
Basically if the foragers dont like the taste of the leaf they leave it and move on. I dont think you can damage your ants by offering anything new. But, as a matter of policy, if I am offering the ants a food plant never tried before I alway offer another plant I know they like. This is so that if they reject the new one they have access to leaves still.

Now thats a good idea. About a recognized plant as well as a new variety.

I did video of my ants sent it to Jamie they was acting wired think Jamie posted it hear

I think its Sumac leaves that are toxic to the fungus.

Shamual wrote:I think its Sumac leaves that are toxic to the fungus.

Yes

Mammea americana and Nerium oleander

Source http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21858911

Andy, thats a good find. Great backup to your earlier point about these leaves.