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Ant Colony Castings are Pompeii for ants!


On Sun, Dec 22, 2013 at 12:40 PM, Jeremy Stone <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> Hi all,
>
> Sending this through the old channels since it appears that my first
> attempt through the new forum was preemptive.  Thanks to those of you I've
> heard from already and hopefully you can share your thoughts with the
> larger community now.
>
> We are in the process of developing an exhibit to showcase our developing
> pheidole rhea, Big Headed Ants, colony.  Recently we've seen some news
> regarding ant colony castings made by pouring melted aluminum into the
> ground and then digging up the solid form.  It seems that something like
> this would be a great way of showcasing the hidden intricacy and structure
> of an ant colony.  Feeling a little weary as there has been some recent
> controversy in which this is being considered a form of animal cruelty.  It
> seems that many of these that are being sold are cast from fire ant
> colonies and I suppose one could consider it an unusual form of combatting
> an invasive pest.  Although on the other hand, as it was recently pointed
> out to me, this is certainly "terminally invasive" for the colony from
> which the cast is made.
>
> Have any of you had experiences with showcasing these types of structures
> in a museum or educational setting?
>
> Thoughts on the moral question and or public perception of the process?
>
> Are there alternative versions to these types of casting that do not
> involve the extermination of the colony?
>
> Below are a few links to this type of work and recent news:
>
> http://metro.co.uk/2013/12/15/ant-colony-artist-responds-to-fierce-insect-killing-criticism-4231049/
> http://youtu.be/eevrq7OPqbE
>
> https://www.google.com/search?q=ant+colony+casting&safe=off&sa=X&espv=210&es_sm=91&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=YSu2UriWG8jL2QXzloCQCA&ved=0CCwQsAQ&biw=1437&bih=886
>
> Thanks much and I'm truly interested in hearing any and all takes on this.
>
> Jeremy
>
> --
>
>
> Jeremy Stone
> Exhibits and Facilities Manager
> WonderLab Museum
> 308 West 4th Street
> Bloomington Indiana 47404
> PH:812.337.1337x22
> PX:812.330.1337
> [log in to unmask]
> http://wonderlab.org
>
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