Cast #057 - Aluminum Fire Ant Colony Casting

The aluminum fire ant colony cast display from the front
Ant Type: Fire Ants (Solenopsis genus)

Cast Number: #057
Created: 3/14/2014
Cast Weight: 24.6 lb

Cast Material: Aluminum
Cast Dimensions: 17"x11.5"x19" (HxWxL)

Base: Stained Wood Oval
Base Dimensions: 0.75"x11"x14" (HxWxL)


Mount: No mounting, cast sits on base
Orientation: Upside Down
Description
This is the largest cast I have done so far, by weight. I'm very glad I decided to video this one because it turned out so great. This one turned out 24.6 lbs., which is 37% heavier than the cast I made in my first video. The depth and width is similar to that cast but you can see that this one is more full and bulky. The structure is similar to the other large casts that I have done, with hundreds of interconnected tunnels and chambers. The distinct feature on this cast is the foraging tunnel that sticks out to the side.
Base Description
The cast is displayed upside down from its natural orientation and sits on three round wood risers attached to an oval wood base. The base was purchased at a hobby store and stained with no clear coat, giving it a nice natural look. There a three 1-1/4" round wood risers which support the cast in its proper orientation. There is no mounting between the cast and the base so the cast can be taken on and off the base for viewing. The bottom of the base has four felt pads to protect the surface it is displayed on. A stainless steel plaque is mounted on the base engraved with the cast information.