diff --git a/rc.c b/rc.c
index 0f91b1c..38dacac 100644
--- a/rc.c
+++ b/rc.c
@@ -2291,6 +2291,7 @@ void checkcollide(sprite_t *s) {
 				}
 			} else if ((s->id == P_ANT1) || (s->id == P_ANT2) || (s->id == P_ANT3)) {
 				int isfr;
+				int goal = 5;
 				// eat fruits
 				isfr = isfruit(s2->id);
 				if (isfr) {
@@ -2312,7 +2313,14 @@ void checkcollide(sprite_t *s) {
 							break;
 					}
 					s->timer1 += fruitamt;
-					if (s->timer1 >= 5) {
+					// huw much fruit is needed to grow?
+					if (s->id == P_ANT3) {
+						goal = 1;
+					} else {
+						goal = 5;
+					}
+
+					if (s->timer1 >= goal) {
 						s->timer1 = 0;
 						playfx(FX_GROWL);
 						// grow