Tropical Ecosystem Kit Ants & Cleaners – Size S

Description

New complete ecosystem in a jar with ants and cleaner insects (woodlice and springtails).

A semi-autonomous concept to assemble at home in a 20cm jar with 1 plant and fresh moss to observe the cycles of life:

The ant life cycle:

The terrarium contains a colony of yellow ants , Lasius flavus. They interact with other insects, explore their environment, build their nest, and maintain their colony, which consists of a queen, workers, and larvae. The contrast between the yellow workers and the dark substrate is particularly striking. We observe the emergence of new workers , their foraging, their communication , their reactions to other insects, and the larvae's development in the warmth. While they can hide in the substrate, they remain discreet but are definitely present. The population increases over time, and their surface activity increases as the months go by.

The environment is healthier for the ants: very natural, it recreates excellent living conditions. The queen and her colony can live up to 15 years.

More information about the species can be found HERE .

 

 

They feed very easily 2 to 3 times a week with a dish of nectar or jelly provided and placed at the bottom of the terrarium. The food is discovered by the foraging ants and brought back to the nest, where it is then shared. This feeding method is clean and generates very little waste. Any remaining waste is consumed by the cleaning insects.

 

The Earth's cycle and cleaner springtails:

The potting mix is ​​kept healthy by the action of springtails: small, -cleaning insects that we intentionally add to enhance your observations. They move about in the soil and on the surface, feeding on biomass, food scraps, and decaying matter. They are white and easy to spot . A few flakes of brewer's yeast, fish flakes, or other food can be added in very small quantities to feed the springtail colony each week. Once a year, you can consider replacing part of the potting mix to refresh the environment.

The water cycle:

The glass of the jar absorbs sunlight , raising the internal temperature and causing the plant to transpire.
transpired water condenses on the cooler walls of the terrarium, transforming into tiny water droplets that the soil absorbs. The plant's roots then absorb the water, initiating the water cycle . This condensation process naturally irrigates the plant indefinitely. The humidity and warmth inside the terrarium recreate a perfect microclimate for tropical plants and ants. Simply adding a few tablespoons of water per year is all it takes to maintain this closed system.

The light cycle and photosynthesis:

Light also allows the plant to photosynthesize by drawing water from the soil and roots, capturing carbon dioxide , and producing the elements it needs to live, such as oxygen . If it weren't necessary to feed the ants, the terrarium could remain completely self-sufficient, closed for months, recycling its gaseous and solid waste.

 

Composition of the terrarium kit:

• Recycled glass jar – cork stopper. Diameter: 15cm, Height: 20cm
• Main plant: Green Fittonia
• Secondary plant: Fresh moss
• Decoration: small pebbles
• Substrate to be laid in the following order: 1 drainage layer (large pebbles, clay or pozzolana), 1 layer of potting soil for plants, 1 layer of substrate for springtails, 1 layer of substrate for woodlice)
• Colony of Lasius flavus ants with queen, workers and larvae
• Springtail colony
• Colony of white woodlice
• Protein jelly for ants
• Food sachet for springtails and woodlice
• Food bowls
• Breeding guide (PDF), terrarium maintenance guide
• Value: Over €135!

Instructions for use:

• Prepare the terrarium by placing the soil and plants according to your taste and respecting the correct layers of soil (large pebbles or pozzolana), 1 layer of potting soil for plants, 1 layer of substrate colonized by springtails, 1 layer of substrate colonized by woodlice).
• Moisten very lightly if necessary, without soaking the substrate.
• Install the ants by placing the tube inside the terrarium.
• Place the terrarium in the light, but never in direct sunlight.
• Feed the ants 2 or 3 times a week with the food provided.

Our plants and ants are guaranteed for 2 months

Lasius flavus photo: Andy Murray