Dr. Pinto showing students how to collect ant colonies for the lab.

 Dr. Adrian Pinto and his graduate assistant Alan have been working with students all morning. They demonstrated how to 1) identify Atta cephalotes and Atta columbica colonies, 2) dig the hole, 3) remove the fungus garden, 4) store the garden, and 5) label the container.

After a brief demonstration, students were sent out to find their own colonies and bring them back to the lab. 



A third type of ant (acromyrmex) was discovered just outside the dining facility. They contain an ant called a Sheep Ant because it is covered in white bacteria. This bacteria is used to help fight other micro-organisms. 


And to finish the day, students took the colonies and gave them a new home in the lab. Tomorrow, they will be able to see the newly cleaned fungus gardens and be able to provide food the ants. 

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