7 replies to this topic

[antdoctor]

Hello,

 

I have a Lasius species with 20-25 workers that have been in the same test tube for a year. I've previously taped a new (covered) tube to the entry and shone light at the old tube. More recently I had new tube covered in red plastic in their out world with just household light at play (no longer shining light directly at them). They would use the new tube for water but never left their old nest. Yesterday I made a few petri dish formacaria with Hydrostone based on the video by Ant Network. The ants have passed through the petri dish nest on their way to the out world but still no signs that they want to move.

 

I'm getting worried about their continued existence in their old tube. It is completely dry and I can see mould. They have blocked the entrance to the tube using sand and a bit of cotton that they found in their old out world. I presume this is to try and preserve some moisture in the old test tube. 

 

Should I continue to be patient and trust that they will relocate to the petri dish? Should I get rid of the sand barrier to make their old tube less desirable (and make room for the queen)? People have talked me out of this in the past, but at some point should I physically move them (maybe put them in the fridge for a few minutes first)? I worry that they're going to die in that tube as they've shown no desire to relocate despite its current state.

 

I should also mention that I have a Tarheel Ants mini hearth arriving in 2-3 weeks (or maybe longer given the pandemic). 

 

Thanks!

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[antdoctor]

Update: I removed the sand/cotton (and pet hair) barrier in their old test tube.

[Mercutia]

I've always had issues moving colonies but I've discovered a good way that forces them out without harming them. If you elevate the test tube so that the entrance tips down. If you get it to like a 45 degree angle, they tend to move to wherever is lower and more level. Then just cover the new nest and you should be good.

[antdoctor]

Thanks for the tip! I've never heard this one before and it sounds less terrifying than physically moving them.

[Nawor3565]

I've had to deal with moving Lasius, and they actually moved completely by themselves into a soil nest I made. Lasius REALLY like to dig, so if tipping the test tube doesn't work, maybe try putting some vermiculite into the new nest.

[antdoctor]

Great idea! I'll try that next.

 

I have a general question though about vermiculite. I bought some from a garden center recently. When I add water to it it gets very soft / falls apart. Will this happen form the moisture of the nest? Will I have to remove it later? 

 

I have some fine sand embedded into the hydrostone. Would it be better to add some loose sand on top?

[KitsAntVa]

Light is also good especially if it’s outside light because it’s brighter but lasius are kinda laid back so maybe not.

[antdoctor]

Sunlight turned out to be the winner! They started to relocate within seconds of exposure to direct sunlight. 

 

They've made the vinyl tubing their new home instead of the petri dish nest, but I'm going to call it a win regardless.