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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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