Deprecated: mysql_connect(): The mysql extension is deprecated and will be removed in the future: use mysqli or PDO instead in /home/sites/herpetofauna.org.uk/public_html/forum_archive/forum_posts.php on line 73

RAUK - Archived Forum - Wood Ants

This contains the Forum posts up until the end of March, 2011. Posts may be viewed but cannot be edited or replied to - nor can new posts be made. More recent posts can be seen on the new Forum at http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/

Forum Home

Wood Ants:

Author Message
Alan Hyde
Senior Member
Joined: 17 Apr 2003
No. of posts: 1416


View other posts by Alan Hyde
Posted: 09 May 2004
I've often wondered why some areas of heathland appear to have hardly any wood ants whereas in other areas you can't take a step without them running over your feet.

Anyone know why?

Cheers,
Alan
O-> O+>
Lisa
Member
Joined: 19 Apr 2004
No. of posts: 23


View other posts by Lisa
Posted: 10 May 2004

Hi Alan,

Unfortunately don't know the answer but in my part of Cambs every time I lift a tin there's a new nest of wood ants under it. I wondered if this would put snakes off using the tins (it'd certainly put me off!)

Mind you I think the woodpeckers appreciate the meals I keep uncovering for them!

Cheers Lisa


Alan Hyde
Senior Member
Joined: 17 Apr 2003
No. of posts: 1416


View other posts by Alan Hyde
Posted: 10 May 2004
Hi Lisa, How are you this fine day? :¼)

Yes, this is the same thing i'm wondering (Ticks and Eye Scales thread).Wood ants seem quite aggressive when defending their nests , yet slow-worms seem to lay amoungst them unaffected.

Take care,
Al

PS Found any adders yet?
O-> O+>
Lisa
Member
Joined: 19 Apr 2004
No. of posts: 23


View other posts by Lisa
Posted: 10 May 2004

Hi Al

Ah yes, have just read the ticks and eye scales thread. Interesting idea about ants using the slough skins, they certainly seem willing to attempt to carry anything (dead or alive!) back to the nest but I still wouldn't fancy sharing a site. Maybe snakes (and lizards) are more immune to bites etc after all they slide through brambles fairly unbothrered?

No adders very sadly. Think Caleb was right about the area though if I could just find em it would be a really useful plus to stop proposed development :). Will not give up..

Cheers

Li


Alan Hyde
Senior Member
Joined: 17 Apr 2003
No. of posts: 1416


View other posts by Alan Hyde
Posted: 10 May 2004
Hiya Lisa,

I'm pleased to hear you're not giving up on the adders.
Maybe they have come to know you and they all slide off and hide ;¼) Try wearing one of those plastic spectacles with moustache so they don't recognise you ;¼) .
Just Kidding of course .

Good Luck, fingers crossed for you.
Alan
O-> O+>
Lisa
Member
Joined: 19 Apr 2004
No. of posts: 23


View other posts by Lisa
Posted: 10 May 2004

Hi Al,

Could try the specs and tache. Its probably me existing face thats scaring em off in the first place LOL :)

Li


Alan Hyde
Senior Member
Joined: 17 Apr 2003
No. of posts: 1416


View other posts by Alan Hyde
Posted: 10 May 2004
LOL! Now Now, I doubt that very much.

Seriously though , do keep us informed . If you ever do find adders there it'd be great to hear about it :¼)
All the best,
Alan
O-> O+>
Lisa
Member
Joined: 19 Apr 2004
No. of posts: 23


View other posts by Lisa
Posted: 11 May 2004

Alan

The forum will be first to know!! :)

Lisa


- Wood Ants

Content here