Ant Farms
by Dr. Carolyn Pararas-Carayannis

Ant farms make great educational hobbies, especially for children. Although very tiny and unable to survive on their own, ants work together large family groups called colonies. Because ants are eusocial*, have specialized divisions of labor within the colony and demonstrate effective communication and self-organization, individuals devote their lives and work in unison for the good of the colony. Thus the colony, behaving as a superorganism*, thrives as though it was a single organism of a higher order. Adults and children alike are often curious about what ants do underground, since most ant nests are subterranean and many of their activities take place obscured from view. But with the aid of specially constructed colony containments, called ant farm aquariums, one can study Formicidae behaviors and view their day-to-day subterranean activities with ease. Suitable ant farm aquariums allows read more

Carpenter Ants
by Carolyn Pararas-Carayannis

Carpenter Ants are very adaptable large ants that make use of decaying wood and a wide variety of protected, secluded areas for nesting. Although most nest in wood, some species - like Camponotus castaneus - prefer to dwell in soil. Contrary to popular belief, Carpenter Ants (often referred to as "Wood Ants") are unable to digest cellulose and, therefore, do not eat wood. Instead, they tunnel through moist or decaying wood compromised by read more