http://www.ants-kalytta.com/feeds/articles-all.en.xml2013-05-18T07:00:02+02:00All available articles in shop.Ants Kalyttagerhard@ants-kalytta.comhttp://www.ants-kalytta.comBenjamin Kalytta`s AtomFeedClasshttp://www.ants-kalytta.com/images/icon.pnghttp://www.ants-kalytta.com/images/logo.pnghttp://www.ants-kalytta.com/Atta-sexdens.en.html2013-04-21T19:22:05+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Fungus cultivating ants species, cutting leafs which process to pulp is the basis of their fungus cultivation.</p><ul> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> South-America</li> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Attini</strong></li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> very intensive caste</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the queen:</strong> about 30 mm, very dark brown stout queen</li> <li><strong>Appearance of the workers:</strong> brown, at the back with thorns</li> <li><strong>Appearance of the soldiers:</strong> to 18 mm, well-fortified animals</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> fungi which the ants cultivate of bramble-, raspberry-, oaks- or roseleafs</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 24°C</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> dump-tropical rainforest</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> loam, humus soil,</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> advancer</li> <li><strong>Risks:</strong> Because of the high air humiditiy there is a higher risk of mildews and mites</li> <li><strong>Specifics:</strong> fungus cultivating ant-specie, cutting leafs which process to pulp is the basis of their fungus cultivation.</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-herculeanus.en.html2013-05-11T11:57:43+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Camponotus herculeanus is one of the biggest european ant species. Can be mostly found in highlands and they build theire nests in wood (coniferous wood)</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Formicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black with dark brown thorax</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Central Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Build their nest in wood with greater underground areas</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: Similary to the forest or mountains with branches, roots, moos</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Has Minor- and Major workers. Very fortified; could with one bite decapitate formica-ants. They attack humans only by nest disruption. Shows activity by day and night (diurnal and nocturnal). They build nests preferably in wood or under stones. A radiant heating should heat a stone or an angle of the formicarium in the daytime.</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-ligniperdus.en.html2013-05-09T21:48:57+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Camponotus ligniperda is one of the biggest european ant species. Prefers sunny and dry slopes and can be found in stony ground as well as in rotten wood. Can be found in low-level as well as in mountains.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Formicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black with light red-brown abdomen</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Central Europe</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: Major- and Minor workers</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 20 - 25 °C</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Build their nest under wood with greater underground areas; also only soil nests</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: Similary to the forest or mountains with branches, roots, moos</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Has Minor- and Major workers. Very fortified; could with one bite decapitate formica-ants. They attack humans only by nest disruption. Shows activity by day and night (diurnal and nocturnal). They build nests preferably in wood or under stones. A radiant heating should heat a stone or an angle of the formicarium in the daytime.</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-maculatus.en.html2013-05-09T07:40:29+02:002008-09-28T00:06:28+02:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Central Africa</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: small ants are yellow till brown, majors are marmorate</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: tropical (moist)</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, between stones</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Builds "half" calderas (one sided)</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-nigriceps.en.html2013-02-10T10:21:44+01:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Camponotus nigriceps which is also known as "sugar ant" is a easy to keep Camponotus species from Australia.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Australia</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black with red or yellow leggs and brown abdomen</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: Queen (with yellow leggs) about 19 - 22 mm, Queen (with red leggs) about 18 - 19 mm</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No (see climate)</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: subtropics (moist)</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: Rain forest</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: This species nests in loamy ground</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-sp.en.html2013-04-15T23:12:58+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>This is a very beautiful colored and easy to keep Campnotus species from South American rain forest.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: Minor- and Major workers</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black-yellow</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 6 - 11 mm, <strong>Queen</strong>: 14 - 16 mm</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: South America</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 24 - 28 °C (tropical)</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: Rain forest</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: This species nests in holes of trees and epiphytes, suitable for ytong nests</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-sp.en.casp0009.html2012-07-07T13:08:33+02:002008-05-05T21:45:40+02:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Southern Asia</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: Tropical</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Cataglyphis-velox.en.html2013-05-12T16:44:09+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Very fortified aggressive ant species with good sight. It is a long-legged and fast moving ant species. They almost can't climb glass panes.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Formicinae</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Southern Europe (mountain range)</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: red with black abdomen</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: strong polymorph</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: <strong>Workers</strong>: 4 - 13 mm, <strong>Queen</strong>: 11 - 13 mm</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes (slight)</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 20 - 35 °C (summer, outside the nest)</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Build their nest deep in soil, creates calderas, also under stones</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: steppe like</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: medium</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Die-Ameisen-Mittel--und-Nordeuropas.en.html2010-04-03T16:47:43+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><span new="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Author</strong>: Bernhard Seifert</span></li> <li><strong>Year of publication</strong>: 2007</li> <li><strong>Format</strong>: Din A5 Hardcover </li> <li><strong>Pages</strong>: 368, 227 Farbfotos, 303 sw-Zeichnungen, </li> <li><span new="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span new="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Publisher</strong>: Lutra </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black;">Verlags- und Vertriebsgesellschaft</span></span></li> <li><span new="" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black;"><strong>Language</strong>: German<br /> </span></span></li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Diacamma-sp.en.html2013-05-12T16:44:53+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Ponerinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Ponerini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> South-East Asia</li> <li><strong>Color:</strong> Black with silveriness</li> <li><strong>Size:</strong> 10 - 12 mm</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Nest building:</strong> Soil nests (craternests), in the mountains under stones</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Honeywater, insects, grains</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 22 - 28 °C</li> <li><strong>Soil Condition:</strong> Sand, loam, mould</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> Small tropical plants</li> <li><strong>Specifics:</strong> Tandem run: with nest move or to big prey a guide's animal leads another ant in the tandem run! Coursing alone, or in small groups, preys will be stabbed first and then transported to the nest.</li></ul><p><em>The Queen can't be distinguished from worker with naked eye. These colonies however were specially tested and contain queens.</em></p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Diacamma-cf-ceylonense.en.html2013-05-14T20:36:38+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Ponerinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Ponerini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> South Asia</li> <li><strong>Color:</strong> Black with silveriness</li> <li><strong>Size:</strong> about 12 mm</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Nest building:</strong> Soil nests very often in holed cocus nuts</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Honey-/Sugarwater, insects, likes ripe fruits</li> <li><strong>Soil Condition:</strong> Sand, loam, mould</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> Small tropical plants</li> <li><strong>Specifics:</strong> Very strong and aggressive diacamma species. Tandem run: with nest move or to big prey a guide's animal leads another ant in the tandem run! Coursing alone, or in small groups, preys will be stabbed first and then transported to the nest. This species also have a gamergate.</li></ul><p><em>The Queen can't be distinguished from worker with naked eye. These colonies however were specially tested and contain queens.</em></p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Ectatomma-quadridens.en.html2013-01-17T15:52:26+01:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>This Ponerine shows nice light reflextions on intense lighting.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Ponerinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Ectatommini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Southern America</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Size:</strong> 9-11 mm</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: no</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey-/sugar emulsion, insects and other small animals</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 25-28°C</li> <li><strong>Nesting</strong>: Soil nests</li> <li><strong>Difficulty</strong>: medium</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Can sting</li></ul><p> </p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Formica-(Serviformica)-cunicularia.en.html2013-04-10T16:40:38+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Common "helping ant" (slaves) like Formica fusca for the predation ants e.g. Raptiformica or Polyergus. It is favored over Formica fusca by Polyergus for example.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Europe</li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> Monomorph, colonies seldom polygyn</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: <strong>Workers</strong>: 5 - 7 mm, <strong>Queen</strong>: 8 -9 mm</li> <li><strong>Nest-building:</strong> Earth mounds in sunny grass land</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Honeywater, insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> warm (at day time heating source possible)</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> Sand-Loam</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> optional</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Formica-(Serviformica)-fusca.en.html2013-05-18T00:21:45+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Common "helping ant" (sclaves) for the predation ants e.g. Raptiformica.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Europe</li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> Monomorph, greater colonies polygyn</li> <li><strong>Size:</strong> 5 - 8 mm</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the queen:</strong> Colour: glossy black; a little bit smaller than Formica rufa</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the workers:</strong> Colour: glossy black; a little bit smaller than Formica rufa</li> <li><strong>Nest-building:</strong> Under rotten wood, under stones and in soil</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Honeywater, insects</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Room temperature, very cold resistance</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> Similar to the forest biotopes, brieght</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> Moos (optional)</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Formica-(Serviformica)-lusatica-(polygyn).en.html2013-01-16T17:38:34+01:002008-04-25T00:02:55+02:00<p>A Serviformica which prefers wram, sunny sand habitates.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Middle- to Northern Europe and Middle Asia</li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> Monomorph, polygyn</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>:</li> <li><strong>Nest-building:</strong> Sand mounds</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Honeywater, insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> warm (at day time heating source possible)</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> Sand-Loam</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> optional</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Lasius-flavus.en.html2013-04-30T15:37:14+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Lasius flavus is a quince yellow ant species which is distributed throughout Europe. This species favor sunny places and can be found in the meadow between grass stems. It is a monogyne species.</p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Lasius-niger.en.html2013-04-29T12:31:12+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Lasius niger is a aggressive shinny black ant species which is widely distributed throughout Europe. This species favor sunny places like waysides or sunny hills. It is a monogyne species.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Formicinae</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: Workers: 3,5 - 5 mm, Queen: 8 - 9 mm</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: shinny black</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: throughout Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: primary honey- or sugar water and later protein in the form of insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 20° - 25° C</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, builds small soil based mounds between grass stems or under stones</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: Grass or similar (not suitable for the arena)</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: very easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Messor-barbarus.en.html2013-05-18T00:42:35+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Messor barbarus is a Myrmicinae with minor- till major-worker with all passings. Great colonies carry on long "highways" their seeds into the nest. They storing the seed in different granaries and prepare in "chew-communities" the so-called ant bread especially for the colder season. They lay out an trash-accumulation.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black, sometimes red brown heads</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: <strong>Queen</strong> 14 - 16 mm</li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> South Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass), but insects and honeywater too</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 25 - 30 °C</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes (slight)</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> Dry climate</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, loam, pebbles</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy to keep</li></ul><p><em>All Messor will be included with untreated hand-picked plant seeds.</em></p><p><em><img align="right" src="../../images/seeds.png" alt="seeds" /></em></p><p><strong>Note</strong>: Young Queens from current season do not have any offspring (Queens with offspring and/or brood are from last year), they wil lay first eggs in spring.</p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Meranoplus-bicolor.en.html2013-03-16T02:10:43+01:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfymily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Meranoplini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> South-East Asia</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the queen:</strong> Approximately twice as large as the workers.</li> <li><strong>Appearance of the workers:</strong> Black head and abdomen, torax red-brown; size like Lasius niger, but haired</li> <li><strong>Nest building:</strong> Soil nests (caldera)</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Honeywater, insects, grains</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Warm: 25 - 30 °C</li> <li><strong>Soil condition:</strong> sand, loam</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> small potted plants</li> <li><strong>Specifics:</strong> The ants move very slowly, because they are trusting in their chemical defence. Meranoplus is a strange looking ant because of her furry hair.</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Myrmicaria-arachnoides.en.html2013-04-15T21:12:13+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>These specie build carton nests, similar like wasps, they need high air humidity for the nestbuilding (often spray in the closed basin). They sit up on their long extremities by danger and deliver a little drop turpentinelike defence-secretion at their protruding sting. Slow walking animals. Never nestling in the soil; carton nests often under leafs, no house-ant.</p><ul> <li><strong>Origin:</strong> Southeast Asia (mountains about 800 m)</li> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Myrmicariini</strong></li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> Monomorph</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the queen:</strong> deep brown, humpy, with long extremities</li> <li><strong>Appearance of the workers:</strong> same as queen</li> <li><strong>Nest bulding:</strong> carton nests under leaves of trees</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> honeywater, insects</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 18 - 25°C</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> 60 - 80 % (tropical climate)</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> only necessary for planting, nesting between leaves</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> ficus, Pachira aquatica</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> Difficult</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: It is advisable to use an Formicarium top covering to keep temperature and air humidity constant. Othwerwise they aren't able to build carton nests.<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><strong><br /> </strong></span></li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Myrmica-rubra.en.html2013-05-07T18:55:02+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Myrmica rubra is an aggressive red-brown ant species which is distributed throughout Europe. This species favor medium sunny habitates in moist meadows. It is a polygyne species.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: Workers: 3,5 - 5 mm, Queen: 6 - 7 mm</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: red-brown</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 20 - 25 °C</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, builds small soil based loose mounds between grass stems, under or in rotten wood, under stones and in moss</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: Grass (optional)</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li> <li> <div align="left"><strong>Specifics</strong>: Workers can sting</div> </li></ul><p>Especially suitable for beginners.</p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Odontomachus-spblack.html2013-04-22T19:28:22+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>These ants are able to catapult themselfs up to 40 cm far thru sudden lock up of their mandibles. This mandible lock up is the fastest known mechanism in the fauna. The upper jaw closes with a speed of 38 to 64 m/s. Thru locking up their jaws they are anesthetizing their prey to afterwards sting it to death. It is improper for a corporate tank/formicarium because they will attack any other species at first encounter.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Ponerinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Ponerini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: South Asia</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 8 - 12 mm</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 24 - 28 °C</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests and rotten wood</li> <li><strong>Keeping level</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Dangers</strong>: can sting</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Pachycondyla-apicalis.en.html2013-05-01T10:33:52+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Big and long- legged antspecies that combines several preferences of other antspecies. Pachycondyla apicalis have almost the same visual ability as Myrmecia (bulldogant), furthermore apicalis is highly adaptive (learns quick to accept food offered by hand) and is able to stridulate clearly hearable just as Paraponera and Atta.Unlike to most of the other antspecies apicalis do not depend on chemical traces because it predominantly navigate by the use of visual orientation.While transportation of prey back to the nest they use the alternative to jump off a twig and is stil able to find their way home after short reorientation (subjective study).This antspecies use the ability to lead conspecifics through tandem walks and do hunt single and also in packs.Pachycondyla apicalis is unique and not comparable with other Pachycondyla species.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Ponerinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Ponerini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Central- to South America</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 20 - 21 mm</li> <li><strong>Appearance</strong>: black with yellow antenna tops, lank</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey-/Sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: warm, 22 - 28°C (Rainforest climate)</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: high</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: Humus layer soil</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: rotten wood (tree roots/branches)</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: Any rain forest plants</li> <li><strong>Keeping level</strong>: easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Pheidole-pallidula.en.html2013-04-16T00:15:51+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>A Pheidole species with soldier caste that is normaly monogyn. Coureageous fighter, who could disperse with soldiers in team-work food-insect and hunt small insects and other animals. The color of this species varies from locality to locality. Mostly brown, also light brown and black, but there are also yellow and red colored variants. Non-temperature-sensitive species that could hibernate in unheated rooms or be well-kept by room temperature.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Pheidolini</strong></li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: light brown till black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>:  <span style="font-style: italic">Workers</span>: 1.5 - 3 mm, <em>Soldiers</em>: 4 - 5 mm, <em>Queen</em>: 6 - 7 mm</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: South Europe</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes <small>(see description)</small></li> <li><strong>Nestbuilding</strong>: Soild nests and under stones</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Omnivore (insects, honeywater, some grains)</li> <li><strong>Soild condition</strong>: Sand, Loam, Stones</li> <li><strong>Difficulty</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Beside of the brown till black colored pheidole there are also variants with quince-yellow or myrmica-red color.</li></ul><p><strong>The yellow and red colored Pheidole is available for limited period only.</strong></p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Formica-(Raptiformica)-sanguinea.en.html2013-05-15T12:13:13+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>This species is very fascinating because of their "robbery of slaves". During the summer month they organize predatory attacks to the nests of their "helping ants" (Slaves) which provide for the inner household. It could be possible that the slaves also be integrate in the defence. According to the slaves they build a species-typical nest for the robber-ants. Raptiformica sanguinea could as well live without slaves contrary to the "Slave-robbers" Polyergus rufescens (protected specie). Inside the Terrarium such a predatory attack can be produced artificially by giving them cocoons of the slave-ants. So it will be possible to control the amount of different slaves.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Europe</li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> Monomorph</li> <li><strong>Color:</strong> red-brown, black abdomen and head</li> <li><strong>Nest-building:</strong> Ants hill like this of red wood ants</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Honeywater, insects</li> <li><strong>Air humidity</strong>: dry</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Room temperature (Day: heating source)</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> Sand, pebbles, roots, forest litter material</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> not necessary</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Reaction-vessel.html2010-07-26T20:53:50+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Small vessels for storage of single queens, small colonies or for preparation.</p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Solenopsis-fugax.en.html2013-04-30T15:35:31+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy:</strong> Subfamily <strong>Myrmicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Solenopsidini</strong></li> <li><strong>Origin:</strong> Germany</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes</li> <li><strong>Characteristics:</strong> light polymorph, larger colonies polygyn</li> <li><strong>Appearence of the queen:</strong> yellow till yellow-brown, very small</li> <li><strong>Appearance of the workers:</strong> yellow till yellow-brown, very small</li> <li><strong>Nest building:</strong> soild nests, mostly under stones</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> ant brood, insects, nectar</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> warm and sunny</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> dry</li> <li><strong>Soil conditions:</strong> sand, loam, pebbles</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> not necessary</li> <li><strong>Level:</strong> for beginners</li> <li><strong>Specifics:</strong> one of the smallest ants in Germany, anyhow they are a little bit polymorph, very well-fortified because of their "poison-sting". Often nestling between greater ants, like Lasius or Serviformica. They use the brood of these ants for nutrition. Subterranean they infiltrate through very small passages the foreign nest. Could be grown very large, over 100.000 animals (no house-ants).</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Stainless-steel-grid.html2013-03-03T00:02:55+01:002008-08-11T01:17:28+02:00<p>Very fine meshed stainless steel grid with a mesh size of only 0,25 mm and a wire gauge of only 0,165 mm. It may be used as break out protection in Formicarium covers.<br /><br />Because of its fine mesh size it is ideal for any kind of ants species. It is especially suited for ant species with forceful mandibles like Leaf cutting ants.</p><p><em>Other sizes with up to 50 cm width on request!</em></p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Tapinoma-erraticum.en.html2013-04-23T17:59:44+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>This ant species builds small mounds of soil particles, mostly with central hollow. Their movement is very fast.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Dolichoderinae</strong></li> <li><strong>Verbreitung</strong>: Central Europe (warm localities)</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: slightly polymorph, larger colonies are polygyn</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: shiny black</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: builds small mounds or will build soil nests (under stones)</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honeywater, insects (also collects other death animals)</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: moderate climate</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: Sand, Loam, Stones</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Tetramorium-impurum.en.html2013-05-17T23:49:03+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Tetramorium impurum is an aggressive black brown ant species. This species favor sunny and dry places and loamy ground. It can often be found in cities between pavements. It is a monogyne species which will be suppressed by Tetramorium caespitum in lowland</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black brown</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: throughout Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water, seeds and death insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 20 - 30 °C</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, builds small soil based mounds between grass stems or under stones</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: any</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li> <li><strong>Specifics</strong>: Collects various kind of seeds. Larger colonies are pugnacious</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Temnothorax-nylanderi.en.html2013-05-03T10:57:33+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Small red-brown colored Myrmicinae which can be kept in small terrariums. It is also a preferred species for a conjoint with other ants because it is not dominant and avoids any conflicts with other ants.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: red-brown</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 2,3 - 3,5 mm, Queens: 3,5 - 4,7 mm</li> <li><strong>Nest size</strong>: small (several 100 ants)</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: monogyn</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Western Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: mostly small insects and also honey water</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: in rotten wood, small branches or under bark</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: any</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Test-tubes.html2013-04-16T00:28:08+02:002006-11-02T20:49:59+01:00<p>Various test tubes for transport and development of ants colonies.</p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Talcum.html2013-03-03T00:03:17+01:002008-12-06T18:57:08+01:00<p>Talcum powder can be used as break out protection. The Talcum powder can be applied either dry or wet with a brush on the upper edge of the ants basin. The layer to be applied should be as thick as 2 - 3 times ants size. In addition, this must be renewed all couple of months because the ants removes the talcum powder with the time.</p><p><strong>EINECS No.</strong>: 238-877-9<br /><strong>CAS-No</strong>.: 14807-96-6</p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Heatpack-20+.html2011-04-11T20:29:15+02:002008-12-06T19:36:12+01:00<p>A single purpose heatpack that produces heat at least 20 hours after opening. It warms up in 3 - 5 minutes after opening, no pumping extra oxygen is required. The average temperature is about 21°C.</p><p>It can be used to transport ants or other sinsible animals during cold season.</p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Pachycondyla-villosa.en.html2013-04-16T00:00:59+02:002009-03-22T22:33:46+01:00<p>A black-silvery shaded Pachycondyla species which comunicate very intensively. This species nests in dry tree branches and also in epiphytes like bromeliead. Colonies do not become too large compared to Pachycondyla apicalis for example.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Ponerinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Ponerini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Central- to South America</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black-silvery shaded</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey-/Sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: warm, 22 - 28°C (Rainforest climate)</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: high</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: Humus layer soil</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: dry wood or epiphytes (tree roots/branches)</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: Epiphytes</li> <li><strong>Keeping level</strong>: easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-sp-South-America.html2013-04-15T23:10:59+02:002009-04-03T01:10:32+02:00<p>Small until medium sized Formicinae that looks a bit similar to our forest ants (Formica). They are not very aggressive, and can be kept together with other ants in one communal basin. It is an imposingly ants species that like light terrariums.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Central- to Southern America</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: yellow-orange<strong><br /> </strong></li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects and other small animals</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: tropical rainforest</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: In hollow stems and small branches of trees or bushes</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: medium<strong><br /> </strong></li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Plagiolepis-sp.en.html2013-04-05T15:38:20+02:002009-05-15T00:44:07+02:00<p>Plagiolepis is one of the smallest European ants species. It can be found in warm and dry habitats.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Formicinae</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: South Europe</li> <li><strong>Farbe:</strong> shinny brown-black</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: 1 - 1.5 mm</li> <li><strong>Characteristics</strong>: Major- and Minor workers</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects and other small animals</li> <li><strong>Temperatur: </strong>hot</li> <li><strong>Humidity:</strong> dry</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: Yes</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: In soil, under stones</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: stony soil</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Test-article-number-1.html2010-04-28T09:27:20+02:002009-05-26T04:40:38+02:00<p>Only for testing.</p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Shipping-box-215x95x18-mm.html2011-04-11T20:29:01+02:002009-08-08T17:12:14+02:00<p>Foldable shipping boxes made of corrugated paper. Ideal for sending test tubes, reactions vessels and oder small containers.</p><p><strong>Technical data:</strong></p><ul> <li><strong>Overall dimension</strong>: 215x95x18 mm</li> <li><strong>Internal dimension</strong>: 205x90x15 mm</li> <li><strong>Weight:</strong> approx. 30 g</li></ul><p> </p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Platythyrea-cribrinodis.en.html2013-05-11T11:59:29+02:002010-05-05T20:44:13+02:00<p> Interesting ponerinae species from veld of East-Africa. It is an aggresive species.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Ponerinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Platythyreini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> East-Africa</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black (matt)</li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: ca. 20 mm</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey-/Sugar water, fruits, insects and other small animals, also brood of other ants like Lasius niger</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: hot, 26 - 30°C (Ground 26°C)</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: dry</li> <li><strong>Soil condition</strong>: Sand, Soil</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nest with tree stump or tree root</li> <li><strong>Activity:</strong> diurnal</li> <li><strong>Notes:</strong> unsuitable for keeping in community basin (exception is Meranoplus)</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Heatpack-40+.html2010-10-13T18:18:04+02:002010-10-13T17:06:55+02:00<p>A single purpose heatpack that produces heat at least 40hours after opening. It warms up in 3 - 5 minutes after opening, no pumping extra oxygen is required. The average temperature is about 38°C.</p><p>It can be used to transport ants or other sinsible animals during cold season.</p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-sp-Africa.html2013-03-24T08:28:22+01:002010-10-27T01:09:41+02:00<p>Various Camponotus species of East Africa.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Size</strong>: <strong>Queen</strong>: 10 - 12 mm</li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: East Africa</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Temperature</strong>: 26 - 30 °C (very hot)</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: dry (veld)</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Pogonomyrmex-barbatus.en.html2013-04-22T04:55:39+02:002011-08-24T23:53:41+02:00<p>A North American harvester ant with a copper red color. Pogonomyrmex species typically harvest seeds, which are stored as an additional food source. However, large amounts of insects are captured by colonies.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: copper red</li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Northern America</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grasses), but also insects and honeywater</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 25 - 35 °C</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> no <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">*1</span></li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> dry climate</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: soil nests</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy to keep</li></ul><p><em>Untreated hand-picked plant seeds</em><em> will be included with all Pogonomyrmex sold.</em></p><p><em><img align="right" alt="seeds" src="../../images/seeds.png" /></em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">*1</span>: Keeping this ants for 2-3 months around 20°C is recommended.</p><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /></span></strong></p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-sp.en.casp0016.html2012-07-07T19:41:36+02:002011-12-31T07:23:34+01:00<p>In contrary with Camponotus nigriceps this Campontus is far more aggressive and has a faster colony growth.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Australia</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: multicolored, black-red</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No (see climate)</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: subtropics (moist)</li> <li><strong>Humidity</strong>: Rain forest</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: This species nests in loamy ground</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-fellah.en.html2013-05-12T20:02:13+02:002012-04-08T19:56:54+02:00<p><span lang="en" id="result_box"><span class="hps">This is a</span> <span class="hps">beautifully colored</span><span>, vibrant </span><span class="hps">ant species</span><span>.</span> <span class="hps">Remarkable are</span> <span class="hps">apart from the</span> <span class="hps">color</span> <span class="hps">the</span> <span class="hps">elongated</span> <span class="hps">heads</span> <span class="hps">of the workers.</span></span></p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Subfamily <strong>Formicinae</strong>, Tribe <strong>Camponotini</strong></li> <li><strong>Distribution</strong>: Middle east, Northern Africa</li> <li><strong>Nutrition</strong>: Honey- or sugar water and insects</li> <li><strong>Hibernation</strong>: No</li> <li><strong>Climate</strong>: tropical</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, between stones</li> <li><strong>Planting</strong>: nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Level</strong>: easy</li></ul>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Tetraponera-sp-orange.en.html2013-05-12T15:14:34+02:002012-05-06T16:36:13+02:00http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Pachycondyla-cf-verenae.en.html2013-04-15T23:51:41+02:002013-03-30T08:45:52+01:00http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Lasiodora-parahybana.en.html2013-04-03T15:04:48+02:002013-04-03T15:04:48+02:00http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Brachypelma-smithii.en.html2013-04-03T15:07:45+02:002013-04-03T15:07:44+02:00http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Brachypelma-albopilosum.en.html2013-04-03T15:10:09+02:002013-04-03T15:10:08+02:00http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Pachycondyla-analis-(Megaponera-foetens).en.html2013-05-12T21:39:31+02:002013-05-12T14:37:37+02:00http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Messor-capitatus.en.html2013-05-12T17:21:04+02:002013-05-12T15:41:30+02:00http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Camponotus-sp-Afrika.en.html2013-05-12T17:35:52+02:002013-05-12T17:27:27+02:00http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Messor-cf-wasmanni.en.html2013-05-17T20:04:14+02:002013-05-17T19:39:32+02:00<p>Messor cf. wasmanni is a Myrmicinae with minor- till major-worker with all passings. However their size is slightly smaller than for instance Messor barbarus. Great colonies carry on long "highways" their seeds into the nest. They storing the seed in different granaries and prepare in "chew-communities" the so-called ant bread especially for the colder season. They lay out an trash-accumulation.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black</li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> South Europe</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass), but insects and honeywater too</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 25 - 30 °C</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> Yes (slight)</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> Dry climate</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, loam, pebbles<em><img align="right" src="../../images/seeds.png" alt="seeds" /></em></li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> nothing specific</li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy to keep</li></ul><p><em>All Messor will be included with untreated hand-picked plant seeds.</em></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Messor-sp-(Central-Africa).html2013-05-17T20:24:16+02:002013-05-17T20:24:16+02:00<p>Central African Messor species with extra ordinary red colored heads. This species doesn't need hibernation. They subsist on seeds, honey-/sugar water but also insects (similar to many Pheidole species). They will often be found in sand or loamy sand.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: shinny black, red heads</li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Central Africa</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass), but insects and honeywater too</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 25 - 35 °C</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> Dry climate</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, loam, pebbles</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> nothing specific<em><img align="right" src="../../images/seeds.png" alt="seeds" /></em></li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy to keep</li></ul><p><em>All Messor will be included with untreated hand-picked plant seeds.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p>http://www.ants-kalytta.com/Messor-sp-(Nothern-Africa).html2013-05-17T20:41:09+02:002013-05-17T20:34:18+02:00<p>Nothern African Messor species with extra ordinary red colored heads. This species doesn't need hibernation. They subsist on seeds, honey-/sugar water but also insects (similar to many Pheidole species). They will often be found in sand or loamy sand.</p><ul> <li><strong>Taxonomy</strong>: Myrmicinae</li> <li><strong>Color</strong>: black brown</li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> Nothern Africa</li> <li><strong>Nutrition:</strong> Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass), but insects and honeywater too</li> <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 25 - 35 °C</li> <li><strong>Hibernation:</strong> No</li> <li><strong>Air humidity:</strong> Dry climate</li> <li><strong>Nest building</strong>: Soil nests, loam, pebbles</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> nothing specific<em><img align="right" src="../../images/seeds.png" alt="seeds" /></em></li> <li><strong>Class</strong>: easy to keep</li></ul><p><em>All Messor will be included with untreated hand-picked plant seeds.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p>