3 replies to this topic

[brian]

I see people using red cellophane like paper to cover there nest some times. I was going to try red Test tubes along with the nice glass ones I got. Funny thing was I ordered 10 of each kind and they sent me 100 red ones. So now I feel like I have to try because I have like 99 back ups if they get scratched up. Has any one ever tried them before or the red cellophane?

[Martialis]

There really isn't that much research out there with ants actually reacting to the light. That said, I've never used any cellophane or just plain red test tubes. I use a piece of black tissue paper which I put over my colonies.

[brian]

I figure if the queens like the dark and they can't really see red filtered light then a red test tube may work good to let me watch her but keep her happy. But then again it could all just be a crock and she will react poorly.

[Martialis]

Possibly. It may also rely on genus. You wouldn't expect a subterranean ant like Ponera to respond the same way to light as a Formica or Camponotus, for instance.