When we gathered this morning, we were very surprised to discover our ant colonies (Atta cepholates) underwent a nuptial flight. The light on our classroom attracted the ants and we were able to observe thousands of male and females (queens) coming down from 1000+ feet. The males and females mate in flight and the males (exhausted) come down to die. The females, carrying a fungus garden pellet, will start a new colony.
We also got to observe the smallest cockroach in the world. The Attaphila fungicola lives in the fungus garden disguised as an ant (by releasing the same pheromone). This is very rare to be observed and almost never during a nupual flight. Isn't science cool!
With all the new queens available, students collected and will be conducting experiments with their existing fungus gardens.
As Ibrahim (one of our excellent instructors) says: "In Costa Rica, science comes to your door."
By: Mr. Heintz
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