Hello Explorers!

Animals often require very specific habitats to survive in. Over the last two weeks I have observed two species not only requiring specific environmental variables, but that adapt their behaviour according to rain (or at least the simulation of rain).

The two species, the Troglodyte Trapjaw (Odontomachus troglodytes) and the Ring Bum Millipede Muncher (Plectroctena mandibularis), both had the same reaction to rain (otherwise known as BugMan spraying their enclosures).

After a while the ants became very shy and didn't really venture around outside of the nests at all, even though the humidity and temperature were ideal for them. I initially thought it was due to ample food supplies that they didn't have a need to hunt, but this was wrong.

I decided to spray the outworlds for some added moisture in the environment for them. A few moments after I started spraying, the ants started running out looking very excited. About 30 minutes after I sprayed them the ants were still out and about actively searching for food.

This test was repeated 3 times now and every time the "rain" triggered the same response. I also noticed with a wild colony of Trapjaws that they are much more active during and after rain than otherwise.

The slight cooling and increase in humidity that comes with the rain, seems to have a great effect on the activity of the ants. The change in humidity and temperature with the rain is so slight that it often goes unnoticed by us as humans, but the question I want to leave you with for the week is: Have you ever wondered how an unnoticeable change for us could mean the end of species?

Weekly Top Shot:

YouTube Update:

Over the last month I have been working hard on getting ideas together and planning for this year. There are a few videos that I am currently working on for the upcoming weeks, so if all goes according to plan you will start seeing regular new videos from next week!