9 replies to this topic

[AntsAreUs]

Just wandering how could I maximize the queen survival and comfort. I was thinking like adding substrate into the test tube setup along with metal foil covering the test tube. If there is an absolutely better way then I would like to know.

[drtrmiller]

Adding soil to a test tube is not necessary and can actually introduce pathogens.  

 

You can make queens the most comfortable by disturbing them as little as possible.  Vibrations, changes in light, and other disturbances cause more stress than anything else.

[Crystals]

Depends on the species, and even then it varies from queen to queen.

 

Semi-claustral obviously need food regularly.  With as little disturbance as possible.

 

Some like Formica, prefer to be left alone until they have workers.

 

Others, like my Camponotus herculeanus, welcomed a slight interruption if food was also offered.

 

None of my queens like larger vibrations, and most did not like my shadow falling over them.  They did not care about light, but didn't like my shadow.

 

Some of my species did not like any kind of food, while others ate at every opportunity.

 

In other words, ants are like people.  You will never get them all to agree to one thing.  Treat each one uniquely as to their preferences. 

[Chromerust]

Please be more specific. What species, colony size, how old, food etc,.


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[Crystals]

Please be more specific. What species, colony size, how old, food etc,.


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Are you referring to Gaige or myself?

 

Gaige originally mentioned founding queens in test tube set ups.

[dspdrew]

Something I have started doing, is putting the test tubes in a container with substrate. You can take care of pathogens in the substrate by heating it in the oven around 300 degrees for about 30 minutes. Sometimes I even put some of the substrate in the test tube. A lot of the time they take it out, but sometimes they actually bring it in the test tubes themselves. I plug the ends of the test tubes with stoppers, and cut notches in them just large enough for the queen to make it through. This makes them feel more secure, and also holds in some of the humidity. I make notches instead of holes, and I raise the water ends of the tubes slightly so that in the event that the tube floods, the water can drain out and not drown all the ants. The containers allow you to place a liquid feeder in there which ensures that they're always getting enough to eat. It's really quite similar to the Tar Heel Ants "Growth Chamber" formicariums that a lot of people claim they have success with. One thing that I think is actually better about this is that the water source and humidity is in the nest portion itself (the test tube), instead of in the out world increasing the chance for mold to grow. Of course there's also the fact that you won't need to do anything about hydration but every month to two months. I've even had test tubes last up to three months without getting too nasty.

[AntsAreUs]

I really want to try out that idea but it seems like it is not too resource friendly for a single queen, but of course this will be reused if it failed and if it is successful there is plenty of room and foraging for more test tubes a sufficient feeding. So I want to try this idea, Drew what containers should I use, I was thinking about a simple rubbermaid container.

And I'm not too well at determining semi-claustral from parasite, but I would like to know the different setups that is best for each type. I probably already know this but I would like to get some ideas.

[dspdrew]

Any container that fits a test tube, and fits your budget is good.

[dean_k]

 And I'm not too well at determining semi-claustral from parasite, but I would like to know the different setups that is best for each type. I probably already know this but I would like to get some ideas.

 

If my assumption is correct, it's head size and size of mandibles. Fully claustral queens have tiny head thus tiny mandibles because they don't really have any need to use it. Parasite queens have bigger head thus bigger mandibles because they need to kill other queens. I guess semi-claustral sits in middle.

 

Of course, correct me if I am wrong.

Edited by dean_k, November 26 2014 - 5:06 PM.

[AntsAreUs]

If my assumption is correct, it's head size and size of mandibles. Fully claustral queens have tiny head thus tiny mandibles because they don't really have any need to use it. Parasite queens have bigger head thus bigger mandibles because they need to kill other queens. I guess semi-claustral sits in middle.

 

Of course, correct me if I am wrong.

It is size of gaster too, and semi-claustral and parasites both have a large head and mandibles along with small gasters. It is hard enless somebody already knows and you got the information from them.