Carpenter ants are like puppies. I give them moss because they like to cut it up into little pieces for no reason. I can't explain why they always shred the moss and the more I watch them I think it's just for the sheer joy of being a creature with mandibles and the joy of the BITE.
The moss is real, but stained with green insect-safe dye. In a few days there will be nothing but green flecks in the soil. I think they enjoy this "activity" everyone is involved!
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[Video Description: Large black carpenter ants of varied size, some with very big heads and mandibles, bite, chew and drag around bits of bright green sphagnum moss, we see the ants from various angles close up and with a wider view of their tank which has a sandy floor and bits of rock and bark for them to hide under.]
exciting find today!! I believe this is a Red-and-Black Ant Mimic, a species of jumping spider evolved to mimic Strobe ants (family Opisthopsis). While I dont have a positive ID, this female looks like she's mimicking the Black-Headed Strobe Ant (Opisthopsis rufithorax).
Ant mimic spiders (Salticids or otherwise) are so fascinating to me, but I rarely get to see them, let alone get a clear photo. This girl was moving around so quickly (also mimicking the quick, jagged movements of Strobe ants) and I didn't have my macro on me, so sorry for the photo quality! she's too cool not to share anyway imo :,)
🕷!!!
Red-and-Black Ant Mimic, female (Myrmarachne bicolor).
[Image ID: Digital illustration of The Chime from COUNTER/Weight. The focus of the drawing is of Aria Joie and AuDy walking side-by-side. In the top left corner is The Chime taking a selfie. The background is decorated in small stars and the lyrics of "FM" by Steely Dan. End ID.]