9 replies to this topic

[YsTheAnt]

I just got my order of test tubes from LCM labs, and they are great. One question I have is will 15mm test tubes work for species like Camponotus Vicinus? Thanks for any help!

[nurbs]

20mm test tubes are preferred, gives them a lot more room to do a full 180.

 

C. vicinus gasters can get quite bloated, making them a lot larger than normal.

 

Here is a lineup of C. vicinus, all in 20mm test tubes:

 

[YsTheAnt]

Ok, will 15mm still work?

[T.C.]

Ok, will 15mm still work?

That's pretty small. Would be a tight fit.

[Serafine]

Depends on the Camponotus species. For the larger ones it is too small.

[Antking117]

I have 18mm test tubes and they allow queens to move freely for camponotus pennsylvanicus, but just barely

[YsTheAnt]

Ok. I'll just use them for collection I guess, and put prenolepis, tetramorium, and other small species in them. Do you know if they would work for small camponotus, like C. Essigi?

[nurbs]

Ok. I'll just use them for collection I guess, and put prenolepis, tetramorium, and other small species in them. Do you know if they would work for small camponotus, like C. Essigi?

 

Another tip, avoid using glass test tubes for collection. They break easy and the shards are sharp.

 

I use round cosmetic containers from Amazon. But any small plastic container will work.

 

If you get these round cosmetic containers, open them up, submerge them in water for a good day, and let them air dry. They do a chemical scent (probably from the factory) that some species of ants find toxic, like I discovered with these poor Acromyrmex with a brand new set of containers. They died a few hours after collecting.

 

[nurbs]

Do you know if they would work for small camponotus, like C. Essigi?

 

Yes, perfect size for C. essigi.

[YsTheAnt]

Ok thanks