9 replies to this topic

[TheMicroPlanet]

Apparently, carpenter ants are capable of chewing through cotton balls, and I suppose this poses a problem for keeping Camponotus in test tube setups. Is there anything else I can use besides a cotton ball? The test tubes I have came with screw-on tops, so maybe I can poke a hole in one for ventilation.

[ponerinecat]

aquarium wool filter

[TheMicroPlanet]

I found a couple of plastic thingamajigs in a drawer yesterday that I think were from one of my microscope sets. They had 2 slits runninig down the sides, and fit perfectly in the test tubes I had. They sat firm enough that an ant wouldn't be able to push them out. I also need a quick alternative to cotton balls because the bag of cotton balls I have has been in existence for years and is covered in dust and whatnot.

[Kevin]

https://www.formicul...on-ball-covers/

 

Boom.

[dspdrew]

https://www.formicul...on-ball-covers/

 

Boom.

 

Although I don't still make these for the water dam, I do make them for the cotton plugs for a number of reasons. For one, it gives you a nice handle to get a hold of the cotton ball when you need to pull it out. It also keeps the ants from ripping the cotton balls to shreds and making a mess. Some larger stronger Camponotus will eventually chew through the finger tip cover, but it's still worth it. I can also reuse these, so it saves cotton balls and you don't have to keep making new ones constantly.

[Antennal_Scrobe]

I don't think a colony small enough to be in a test tube setup would do that, but if you are still concerned, get a Mini-Hearth from TarHeelAnts and use that for your queen instead.

[dspdrew]

I sell startup formicariums as well, that are a much more convenient and ant-friendly alternative to test tubes.

 

https://www.formicul...eping-products/

[nurbs]

Never once had Camponotus chrew through cotton on a test tube setup. You're fine. 

 

Use a full ball of cotton and just make sure it is firmly placed in there.

[dspdrew]

Never once had Camponotus chrew through cotton on a test tube setup. You're fine. 

 

Use a full ball of cotton and just make sure it is firmly placed in there.

 

I had Camponotus CA-02 tear half the cotton ball away. I've never had that happen with any other species though.

[Serafine]

That rarely ever happens and if you put the test tube into a something like a small plastic box you're safe anyway.

Cotton is still the best and easiest material to use unless you have ridiculously small ants like Solenopsis molesta/fugax which can just casually walk out between the cotton and the tube's wall.

Also theoretically Camponotus can chew through wood, ytong, sandstone and vinyl tubing as well but only do that in extremely rare occassions, probably when their setup is massively overpopulated.