Though Zophobas rugipes is a very worthy subject of study with an enormous amount of things to be learned (effects of heat and humidity in dispersal, selection issues in generating thicker "skins" for defense against cannibalism, motility issues in dispersal (i.e how far are they willing to travel) etc.etc.etc.) still, I'm glad that Professor Tschinkel's eventually concentrated on the ants. I see the fascinating aspects of beetles- all life forms are fascinating- but the ants are my own faves. 🐜🐜🐜 On the side, were the dispersariums configured with varying depth/size chambers? Getting more complex, perhaps a central arena with 3 passages to 3 sub arenas, each sub arena with 3 passages to pupation chambers? Then introduce variables of light, heat, etc. Really interesting stuff! Are the critters willing to travel uphill? Downhill? To what angles?
Though Zophobas rugipes is a very worthy subject of study with an enormous amount of things to be learned (effects of heat and humidity in dispersal, selection issues in generating thicker "skins" for defense against cannibalism, motility issues in dispersal (i.e how far are they willing to travel) etc.etc.etc.) still, I'm glad that Professor Tschinkel's eventually concentrated on the ants. I see the fascinating aspects of beetles- all life forms are fascinating- but the ants are my own faves. 🐜🐜🐜 On the side, were the dispersariums configured with varying depth/size chambers? Getting more complex, perhaps a central arena with 3 passages to 3 sub arenas, each sub arena with 3 passages to pupation chambers? Then introduce variables of light, heat, etc. Really interesting stuff! Are the critters willing to travel uphill? Downhill? To what angles?
What a critter! It may help to save the world.
Love the photos!