Post B1Lle4ZHSBOlCrsB84 by GustavinoBevilacqua@mastodon.cisti.org
 (DIR) More posts by GustavinoBevilacqua@mastodon.cisti.org
 (DIR) Post #B1LlTscH2EGlF8Pe3E by futurebird@sauropods.win
       2025-12-17T20:06:02Z
       
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       When they first brought the Atta Cephelotes colony to the American Museum of Natural History, there were lots of large soldier ants, guarding the path where the ants, carried their leaves back to their nest, but now having settled in, you see hardly any soldiers at all. I had to look in the nest near what I suspect is the Queen’s chamber to even find one!They may have stopped producing soldiers because, in a close environment, they just aren’t necessary. #leafcutterants #atta
       
 (DIR) Post #B1Lle4ZHSBOlCrsB84 by GustavinoBevilacqua@mastodon.cisti.org
       2025-12-17T20:07:50Z
       
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       @futurebird Often ants show more intelligence than humans.
       
 (DIR) Post #B1LliFDbnUxLOej1o8 by futurebird@sauropods.win
       2025-12-17T20:08:38Z
       
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       @GustavinoBevilacqua I saw several big soldier humans at Grand Central Station just the other day. absolutely terrifying.
       
 (DIR) Post #B1Lm4ZxBNxlA4mgxzU by steve@discuss.systems
       2025-12-17T20:12:37Z
       
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       @futurebird interesting! The colony at the museum here (unsure how old the current colony is, but the exhibit has been around for at least 30 years) definitely has them scattered around--not a huge number, but always pretty easy to find one.
       
 (DIR) Post #B1LmawfWSz9pnCrhbc by lemgandi@mastodon.social
       2025-12-17T20:18:29Z
       
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       @futurebird Ants are dumb. Ant _nests_ are smarter than we are.
       
 (DIR) Post #B1M6vT5bdQZZDc83Tk by futurebird@sauropods.win
       2025-12-18T00:06:20Z
       
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       Any time I can get the chance to see that colony I run over there. They are like an old friend. You notice things about them if you visit more than once... they have good days and bad ones, they sometimes move the queen but I don't know if anyone has caught this happening. They are at war with their keepers (like all ants) they keep little compost piles to make soil to block openings and reduce light. You can always find one ant who has gotten over the mote. I love them.
       
 (DIR) Post #B1M7DzrqVPHW5fWn3I by futurebird@sauropods.win
       2025-12-18T00:09:41Z
       
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       I sometimes wish I could keep leaf-cutters, but seeing how relentless and persistent they are ... well. I think it's rather like having a pet bear.
       
 (DIR) Post #B1MBaTz7btXfgXuOeW by theantlady@arthropod.social
       2025-12-18T00:58:31Z
       
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       @futurebird The species with bigger colonies are definitely a handful to keep up with, especially ones on display like that one!  We were SO THRILLED to meet the exhibit's curator last summer! https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCivx4
       
 (DIR) Post #B1MCfultXsEsAGsN0K by futurebird@sauropods.win
       2025-12-18T01:10:39Z
       
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       @apLundell In the US I think you can get a permit if you live in an area with a proper winter. Which is a little paranoid.
       
 (DIR) Post #B1N1iv7jms8vmwHcbQ by Landa@graz.social
       2025-12-18T10:42:42Z
       
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       @futurebird The Mote, the final frontier.These are the voyages of the brave ant Sister Bryce. Her five-day mission: to seek out new food and new life for domestication.To boldly go where no ant has gone before!