My Pet Weaver Ants REACT to Their First Meal Ever (Experiment)

My young weaver ant colony which I raised from just a single pregnant queen ant is finally ready to have their first meal. I offer some sugar water in a test tube and a baby roach. Which will they choose to feed from? Today we explore how a new ant colony decides what to eat first. Hope you enjoy this week's episode in this ongoing Weaver Ant Series! Ant love forever! This video was shot in 4K Ultra HD resolution.
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[@AntsCanada]

Greetings, AC Family/Ant Lovers! Thanks for watching this week’s episode! Feeding time has finally arrived! If you enjoyed this episode, pls remember to hit LIKE, leave me a COMMENT, SHARE the video, and SUBSCRIBE (hit the BELL and Select ALL for Notifications Squad) to join our ever growing AC Family! VOTE for an Official Name of this weaver ant colony by hitting LIKE on the post of your choice below:

[@AntsCanada]

The Verudians

[@AntsCanada]

The Dream Weavers

[@AntsCanada]

The Olmec

[@AntsCanada]

The Jade Empire

[@AntsCanada]

The Leaf Legion

[@Brat2513]

Bob will forever be a legend for bringing home a meal 3 times his size for the queen when all the others have not been able to even find a way out of this odd tree

[@thatTesstyBish]

For real. Mans became Bob the Gatherer, Bringer of Giants

[@mikes8160]

BOB

[@AlexPanda314]

KING BOB!

[@louiselee7225]

I love the part where bob said “it’s bobin time”

[@OlilittleCoUkAbout]

*her

[@TenderheartPC]

I find this queen particularly adorable

[@finleysouthey1684]

Sane

[@memelord2849]

IM GETTING SO ADDICTED TO THIS CHANNEL!!!

[@monicapang8536]

Same

[@Feralisation]

@AntsCanada, You are a wizard at mixing music and material. I love how you narrate these episodes and merge perfect music tracks to whats happening.

[@coltonkarpes9634]

true

[@DragonFae16]

When it was mentioned that a captive weaver ant colony has never been successfully started from just a pregnant queen ant before, I had a thought. Everyone who has tried to keep them in the past likely put the queen ant into a test tube setup. What if it's the bottle that's the reason this colony is continuing to develop. Weaver ant queens start in a curled leaf or a hole in wood, where there would be lots of airflow and space. What if a test tube is just too contained for the ants to be comfortable and the confined spaces messes with their instincts. Wouldn't it be amazing if Mikey stumbled on the trick to starting a weaver ant colony by accident?

[@AntsCanada]

Let's hope that's true. Thing is, it's at this stage now that weaver ant colonies start to falter. Once we get them to around 100 or so workers then we know for sure they've made further than the "danger zone" that most weaver ant keeper hopefulls can't seem to get past!

[@DragonFae16]

@@AntsCanada I'll be keeping my fingers crossed, and I'm sure the entire AC family is as well!

[@XTR_NEELAN]

I have never thought about it hopefully it is true

[@alexandraramsay2788]

@@DragonFae16 ffrcfcf

[@CyclopticStormCloud]

genius

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

It's very encouraging to see the queen (especially her) feed. It's giving me a lot of hope that this will be a successful colony. I think weaver queens are amongst the most beautiful of all ants. Fingers crossed that this success continues on!

[@Blackfox_Kitsune]

good luck!

[@mortlet5180]

I agree, seeing her loose her deep green coloration (esp. on her back, but then spreading!) was really concerning to me, but I'm so glad they seem to be well on their way to sustainability. I'm really surprised about the sugar water though, but I'm not sure they could actually smell it... Then again, gutloaded roaches would definitely be sufficient and it is much better than the alternative of having them only drinking sugar, but rejecting protein!

[@seanmartin2185]

Mandy B it is so encouraging to read your comment (especially this) It's what we are here for! The love joy and hope gives me so much peace. Your patience and kindness towards the channel reflect a gentle self-controlled soul. You will not have to wait long I'm sure there is a place in Ant Heaven where you can be wrapped with the love of Weaver silk forever ♥ 💖 💕

[@seanmartin2185]

@@mortlet5180 the concern is real! I almost couldn't make it to work this week wondering about the Queen. If she hadn't eaten I'm assured of the anxiety I don't think you and I would have made it!! OMG!!!!

[@Jayplayz_edit]

Queen ants are like mother's The queen ants are like our mother's She takes care of there baby's and our mother's take care of us to Ants love forever

[@user-lq9xd7sd8o]

10:21 the song it is so amazing and it fits with the weaver ants as brave warriors

[@jollygrim07]

A saw a video of a humming bird whose tongue was caught in a feeder. When the owner took it apart they found an ant latched onto the tongue. It was so strong it held the hummingbird in place from trying to fly away. Imagine trying to hold a helicopter in place haha

[@fpcooper95]

Amazing 🤯

[@Pinkstarclan]

i love that one ant seeing AntsCanada struggling to get the roach unstuck, thought the movement meant it was alive, gave it a brave defensive swipe, then "killed" it twice before bringing it back fbdght

[@capacarm1749]

Love how we use very simple names

[@neoquegon]

that bottle has been a surprisingly good temp nest, makes me wonder how many wild ant colonies have started in discarded trash. Reminds me of the adaptability of wild animals like hermit crabs wearing soda cans as a shell.

[@jenniehughes6927]

What ?! Never heard about the hermit crabs in soda cans.

[@michaelmills3121]

That looks useful I might try that if I ever need to

[@spookyblush-speedruns]

Wait, what?!

[@rein1654]

And also some hermit crabs live in tiny plastic medicine bottles

[@LordDany]

@@michaelmills3121 try botles to ants or if you someday become a heremit crab trying soda cans?

[@scruffygaming2599]

Very good video! I just caught my first queen! Now she has a little pile of eggs that she is caring for.

[@matthewlorton3428]

The Dream Weavers is truely a brilliant name, then the set up could clouds and stuff in the background to make it seem they are in the clouds weaving homes for dreams to rest, idk just seems cool

[@jarredfielies5826]

It was the best i love and his channel

[@planetofcows]

Love you videos! Now I have 6 ant colonies and other insects and more because of you! It's really fun and really helps me with my mental health problems! Thank you again for making me a part of this!

[@Vibesssssssssssss]

Amarmy 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊❤🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ please 🙏 or me for a free day at your place or a day in your future career or whatever it may have you choose as your future life choices and your family life is changing for your family life or yours and you can be happy 😊 happy 😊 thank you.

[@Vibesssssssssssss]

Amamyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!

[@LiamUlvi]

I Think that feeling when They get their first meal is the feeling of success

[@doublehelix2167]

I feel like a big part of weaver ants that nobody focuses on is air circulation. I believe air stagnation has a big affect on weaver ants overall health.

[@drac0range717]

Look back he talked about in one of the 2 first video. He said they use little oxygen, so he just have to open the bottle once a day for water and air

[@anthonyhaynes8738]

It's does on all life. Imagine living in a two-story house let alone the skyscrapers with no air circulation. Thanks for bringing it up. Most people don't think about nature

[@TheNoteblockLizard]

I'm wondering if founding the colony in a water bottle has anything to do with the potential success rate with the weaver ants. Have you ever used a water bottle before, or were they always in the usual test tubes?

[@AntsCanada]

This was totally on my mind! Never used waterbottles before! Thing is, it's this stage where everyone seems unable to surpass. If we manage to get to 100 workers or more then we know we've passed the danger zone! Ant love forever. BOW!

[@peilethan]

I'm wondering. why a water bottle on this colony? most of the time he starts them in a test tube.

[@Ac3moore]

@@peilethan it's what he caught them in. Why add stress by changing em when they're doing fine in said bottle. 👍

[@normaler_aktive6396]

Bow

[@peilethan]

@@Ac3moore I didn't see that episode. Good enough) 👍

[@OriginalBlaster]

What a twist at the end! I thought when you said it wasn’t what you expected that you too thought the ants would fight to the death! Draw swords and fight till only one can stand! That one is who they call Highlander! That’s why you should call them the highlanders.

[@catherinedavis1690]

FANTASTIC!! I’m so relieved they are eating. Congratulations on your success! I can’t wait for the next update!

[@dipping9432]

I love how green the queen is!

[@TheAnimalzz]

I like how this dude lives the ants so and how he actually feels bad for the roach. I think this man might be my new favourite animal youtuber, or maybe youtuber full stop. Keep up the good work!

[@Sticksonpoint]

I love this page so much it’s a childhood dream

[@adamlee333]

Full terrarium 🤞should be named 'Viridian Forest' #pokemonloveforever

[@MarioRodriguez-om9dq]

you don't make videos, you make very elaborate documentaries the best on the internet Congratulations !

[@AntsCanada]

Thank you! 🙏❤️ Ant love forever!

[@sirenapatricio55]

I wake up early well for a day off early just to watch your videos

[@Sticman64Bit]

E

[@armoredaustin4127]

@@AntsCanada What happened to the other ants we need to update

[@auntielaura5]

@@armoredaustin4127 Mikey had to release them to the wild, along with other colonies, during the pandemic because he couldn’t get enough food for them.

[@Prodmullefc]

I used to get this channel recommended to me every couple years and it felt nice to see what the ants were up to. Then just now I got recommenced some mealworm thing and it reminded me that it’s been like four years since I last checked in on the ants! This was the first time i searched for this channel instead of getting it recommended. Not disappointed. I’m so glad this ant maniac is still at it. Great stuff man!

[@senseiwu7814]

Oh please, don't act like you've been waiting on the edge of your seat for four years to check in on a bunch of ants. And what's this about being 'not disappointed'? Did you expect to find something else on this channel? Newsflash, buddy, this is a channel about ants. What did you expect to see? A cooking show with Gordon Ramsay? Grow up. And as for this 'ant maniac', they're just doing their job. You want to see maniacs? Go check out a meth lab. At least they're doing something productive with their time. As for this 'great stuff', I've seen better entertainment at a grade school talent show. Get a life.

[@comedianmattrossey]

AWESOME TO SEE THEIR FIRST FAMILY MEAL TOGETHER!!!!!

[@nerdmachine5551]

It's amazing just how good you are at what you do! I've been trying to raise my tetramorium colony for a while and they aren't growing very quickly at all. Can't wait to see more of these guys!

[@maxprivate9678]

i just love seeing the queen staring at you as you open the bottlecap just overwatching everything :)

[@sevasahtiankrishnan8804]

They will love both

[@janeacusar]

Wow, that green ant look so exotic. It is pretty. First time seeing it

[@antsfr1416]

They are growing so fast that's really awesome

[@E_XDrtv]

YES FINALLY THEY GOT FED!!! I love this so much🥺🥺❤❤

[@bowendodson1873]

I find it incredibly interesting that you’re doing something that edomologists probably have great interest in, as a hobbyist thank you for advancing science by simply enjoying yourself

[@ZTheLastViking]

The queen has a pattern on her back similar to formica rufibaris. Kinda looks like a tank top just different colors. Both very good looking queens in my opinion.

[@ThisGuy327]

So cute 🥰 I like leaf legion I love chip

[@Shane.Martin]

Absolutely fascinating! Very much looking forward to seeing how they go.

[@lukahprimo]

I'm so excited for the future of this already amazing colony!

[@neveraskedforahandle]

Can't wait to see how this goes!

[@sueparras6028]

I was wondering when this video would appear, can't wait to see this colony build it's first nest. Ant love forever ❤ 🐜🐜✌🇨🇦

[@coltonkarpes9634]

#antscanadaforever

[@keroro407]

Just a suggestion, he could make a hole and put a tube to the other end of the bottle. And when the time comes to move the colony to their permanent home, he could just tape the bottle to a branch, and let the ants move on their own.

[@senseiwu7814]

You know what, buddy? I've been keeping ants for over two decades now and I've never once thought to use a tube and a hole to transport them. You must be some kind of ant-keeping genius. Or maybe you're just talking out of your ass. Either way, thanks for the 'expert' advice. I'm sure the ants will be thrilled to crawl through a tube and emerge on the other side. You're a real lifesaver.

[@MSMComposerman]

You know this channel got me interested in ant keeping and I caught 14 queen's but in tubs not test tubes

[@sotoys2076]

I love how he said” wait I’m not done!”

[@jfishing2727]

Gosh I can’t wait for this colony to succeed and have a new amazing weaver ants colony, I just love watching them❤️❤️! And watching this channel, please keep this fantastic work up!😉

[@cal6906]

please to constant uploads on this colony me and im sure so many other people rlly wanna see in full detail the stages of growth these ants go threw

[@AntsCanada]

Will do! Ant love forever!

[@BuckF3ver]

I can't help but be amused by this guy's sound effects and voices!

[@TheWarQueen1]

I still think you should add a official AC bottle cap adapter part to your shop!

[@cynicalcloud3453]

Who knew I'd become so invested and excited about ants of all things! It's all down to Mikey and his passion and his absolutely brilliant commentary, I swear, if ever anyone fancies doing a video on paint drying and want it to succeed, then getting Mikey to narrate it would make it seem so freakin epic, I love his storytelling style!

[@xxeno3824]

Yay I have been waiting I truly love this colony so much! I hope they become very successful

[@loisma2356]

I think that they will like the sugar water because they drink sweet things in the wild too I also think they would like the roach because out in the wild they will hunt for food filled with protein

[@cityants1166]

cool to see another series like this

[@jwia007]

I was so needing this video RN. I think they will love both!

[@morgans_reptilia_familia4294]

I'm so happy you have weaver ants again! The Golden Empire was my favorite Colony. 😍

[@graciadelosreyes685]

You mean emerald empire?

[@MidnightPlayzzYT]

I think they will like both👍

[@brandonphilipparagas8070]

I am really excited about this weaver series

[@ziyadessoufi2052]

I love that u give soo much intreste to the fact that every single video might have a new viewer or more so u give the time to explaine every thing over and over again Not all youtubers do this

[@AntsCanada]

Welcome to the Antiverse! Ant love forever!

[@samuellund2194]

Gilbert

[@Xerobound]

This was an amazing and beautiful video thank you so much for sharing! To think of how much risk that little queen took and how much faith she has to put in that first generation of workers, I can't even imagine the pressure on those little guys in the wild! They have no idea how lucky they have it under your care. Hoping they thrive and flourish!

[@AntsCanada]

It's a dangerous journey not every queen survives! We did it all together and so did our mighty Jade Empress! Ant love forever!

[@fury9173]

12:18 Roach be like: "feeding the weaver ants, right?" "RIGHT?"

[@GlitzyWitch]

Ive watched all this series, shes such a good mumma, and chip is a great helper ❤ im happy to see they are doing well ❤

[@SixDigitOsu]

I discovered this channel a few days ago by accident, i never thought ants could be so interesting lol

[@weslindsey5909]

It so fun watching their little lives and their ability to build their homes. So many different ants and all the different ways they have adapted to their environments.

[@SixDigitOsu]

@@weslindsey5909 yeah

[@daniell1483]

I like games and there is something about ant keeping that reminds me of games like Rimworld, or Banished, pretty much any colony-building simulator sort of games. It is easy to anthropomorphize the ants in the colony, trying to imagine what they think of events as they happen, or perhaps figure out how they prioritize certain projects. Or maybe it is just me? In any case, glad for the video.

[@Supachog]

Ok

[@sharonpiecharka1339]

Will keep fingers crossed 4 this Weaver Queen and her little family. Great vid.😀

[@Unknown-ox1bw]

it got me thinking, you should make like a ant recording of the ants 0 commentary just the ant like a relaxing 4k video because it would be relaxing to see the ants doing their thing for hours. :)

[@Ravenpaw1313]

I think it is really interesting that the ants focused on a very specific food source first. I feel like it would make sense that while carbs are a great boost, the smaller nanitics and the queen probably would be better off served with their finite internal resources by getting protein first. And as for the setup, especially with the one worker trying to carry the prey upwards sort of fits in with some of the other comments I've seen made on how a bigger, more open space with more air and at least some more elevation helps them feel more in line with what they would be experiencing in the trees, instead of tight underground spaces.

[@senseiwu7814]

Oh, I see you've taken the time to study ant behavior and nutrition, have you? I'm impressed. Allow me to enlighten you with some actual facts. Ants are highly adaptable creatures and will prioritize food sources based on what is most readily available to them at the time. They are also able to adjust their foraging behavior based on the needs of the colony. As for the setup, it's called a formicarium for a reason. It's designed to replicate the natural habitat of ants as closely as possible, so your suggestion to add a tube and tape the bottle to a branch is completely unnecessary and misguided. Now if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than engage in a conversation with an amateur entomologist.

[@tomsmoneymagic]

First terrarium in the new ant room? Hmmm Ant love forever! 🐜🐜🐜

[@egypthobby]

It would be awesome to see them in a tall terrarium in the new building

[@sallysabretooth9969]

They’ll love both

[@sallysabretooth9969]

I was wrong

[@carolynallisee2463]

When compared to her nanitic subjects, the Jade Empress is a quite striking shade of green. She also seems ultra alert and watchful to me, too. As to the food situation, I'm not surprised that the weaver ants chose the roach over the sugar water. Silk ismade fron proteins after all.

[@worthwhilereptiles6238]

You’ve inspired me to start an ant colony of my own. I caught 5 queens and only one had passed away so far. Two of them are doing great and have quite the pile of brood. I’m so excited! 🐜 (btw they are pavement ants)

[@jimhalpert0]

Do you know the reason of the one queen passing?

[@worthwhilereptiles6238]

@@jimhalpert0 I don’t.

[@CHC31512]

@@worthwhilereptiles6238 your lucky cuz my dad said we dont have room EVEN THOUGH THERE IS LIKE 50 SPARE ROOMS (he said i will get them in the new house)

[@whitelivesmatter.alllivesb3451]

@@CHC31512 Jesus what do you live in a mansion inside a larger mansion.

[@CHC31512]

@@whitelivesmatter.alllivesb3451 no i just have a big house but not a mansion

[@youmeetmeac]

I predict they'll happily use both foods

[@Lakotajo2]

I've been watching for years! This new colony is very exciting! Thank you!

[@mikeschiesel2852]

I loved this episode! With so many other things going on you still manage to put together such amazing stories. I think Weaver Ants are one of natures coolest creatures, I hope this emerging colony survives and thrives for years to come.

[@shang914]

Well I'm really happy for the new colony and soo glad that we can watch them grow and watch them emerge from just a queen ant to a huge colony.

[@ronaldo_playz69420]

I like when he just whispers at the intro

[@proudtobefallen4735]

I figured they'd like both, so I was surprised they didn't want the sugar

[@Redd0w]

When that ant pulled the roach up it shows how strong they are despite being so small. Size really doesn’t matter with ants.

[@mohammedabb985]

Murauder ants: hey!

[@MasterOogway1894]

Murauder ants: am i a joke to you?

[@sofiabrittlisdotter2891]

I love to watch what the ants are making and doing. You are a good ants keeper ✨

[@miguelbisnar6241]

REALLY EDUCATIONAL FOR ALL. THE IMPORTANCE OF ANTS IN OUR DAILY LIVES.

[@artiefufkin88]

Another great one! Good job Mikey! And nice camerawork and editing

[@Lin-xin_gacha589]

The ants are sooooo cute we’ve all been waiting for this moment patiently and it happened the ants will have a great empire

[@gamertron3672]

Great Content! Keep up the Great Work!

[@pikelboi9674]

This channel is meant for people 10000000times more wholesome than me

[@8jerasikapark8]

I love all your commentary!

[@pandap4ntz]

I hope your new colony does well 💚 The life cycle of a beginning ant colony is fascinating!

[@varunchauhan3372]

Can’t wait for this colony of ants to grow to be a lot bigger!

[@blipblip7010]

ive been waitin for this

[@SunniMerlot]

I really miss the big colony videos with the beautiful landscapes

[@holeinthewallproductions]

Yeah

[@j0v123]

This may be a uneducated question but if there isn't much information known about how weaver ants proliferate at a young colony stage is it possible that they nest in specific types of leafs and require specific nutrients that can only be gathered In the trees sort of like your old termite pairs that required a specific kind of mold or fungus to survive? Maybe since a lot isn't known yet could something along those lines be what ant keepers are missing in rearing a successful colony?

[@AntsCanada]

I did think of this. It is likely diet-related. I would guess that wild weaver ants get certain key micronutrients/minerals/vitamins from honeydew milked from plant insects feeding on plant sap. If this is the case, duplicating that specific diet would be difficult in captivity using feeder insects. Perhaps I can try to find a branch with mealybugs to provide. Hmm...?

[@j0v123]

@@AntsCanada during your live stream a few months back there was that tree with the weaver ants on it possibly returning to that area and collecting parts near the nest that contain those insects and planting them to farm them on your own or provide it to this current colony to do so might be beneficial in successfully rearing them at this difficult stage

[@dacreatorofvideos]

Does MS stand for Microsoft?

[@j0v123]

@@dacreatorofvideos it does not.

[@dacreatorofvideos]

@@j0v123 Debatable.

[@dakotaburnside994]

I'm so nervous about the weaver ants growth.

[@AntsCanada]

Same! I'm afraid to make a mistake! Thanks for watching. Ant love forever!

[@danyplaydyafoos]

When's the Omni nest series coming back? I love the transparency it's what got this channel attention i hope you expand on it

[@humanezc]

I think they will like both

[@Sadet1991]

I get the feeling she chose you and nature wants you to teach us about them

[@nanachithemotherfox]

I love watching these videos seeing how amazing the ants are so I'm enjoying this alot 💝

[@reshmaakhtar5067]

hey ac I think you should let them hunt roaches when they are strong enough

[@hoppinginferno5387]

It’s still called eclosing when a butterfly emerges from its chrysalis

[@sweetpeaea6346]

I just imagine that ant-specialized scientists watch your videos to kbow more about how weaver ants start

[@huntercool2232]

I think they’ll reject the roach and accept the sugar water Edit: *I was wrong, it was the other way around. Very happy she had her first meal after a long fast!* 🙂

[@omarramzy5494]

They will like both

[@alexandersundell6029]

5:16 Ant colony uses Nanitics! CRITICAL HIT! 72 damage. Dying out has 928 hp. yea keeping this ant colony is gonna be hard