6 replies to this topic

[Devi]

I'm moving a tetramorium colony into a mini hearth, and have gave them access by gently clamping the test tube to one of the holes in the mini hearth.  I have had them like that for a couple hours but the won't move.  They explore the mini hearth but only a couple at a time.  Any tips?

[Solenoqueen]

I'm moving a tetramorium colony into a mini hearth, and have gave them access by gently clamping the test tube to one of the holes in the mini hearth.  I have had them like that for a couple hours but the won't move.  They explore the mini hearth but only a couple at a time.  Any tips?

Alternatively, you could just dump them all in, thought it's probably not the best idea.

From what I hear, what you're doing is correct, however, the moving process takes time, so waiting is just a part of the process. It could take hours, or even days. Just be patient.

[Devi]

 

I'm moving a tetramorium colony into a mini hearth, and have gave them access by gently clamping the test tube to one of the holes in the mini hearth.  I have had them like that for a couple hours but the won't move.  They explore the mini hearth but only a couple at a time.  Any tips?

Alternatively, you could just dump them all in, thought it's probably not the best idea.

From what I hear, what you're doing is correct, however, the moving process takes time, so waiting is just a part of the process. It could take hours, or even days. Just be patient.

 

Yeah, I thought about dumping them but I kind of want to do that as a last ditch effort.  That's what I thought, just wanted to verify it.  Thanks!

[ANTdrew]

Moving a colony should be seen as a few days process. Give the workers a few days to explore the mini-hearth and lay down scent trails. Then expose them to bright sunlight, and they’ll move in minutes. Be sure to supervise, so the sun doesn’t bake anybody. Make the mini-hearth dark by taping some aluminum foil over the glass.

[DDD101DDD]

I honestly don't think dumping is a bad idea. Mainly because it's really hard for me to get a test tube securely attached to a mini hearth. Also the level of stress involved in dumping isn't enough to harm tetramorium.

Edited by DDD101DDD, August 21 2020 - 3:53 PM.

[ANTdrew]

Yeah, I wouldn’t lose any sleep about dumping Tetramorium, but it’s super easy to get them to move, too.
3M mounting putty is excellent stuff for sticking test tubes to mini-hearths. I put a few bottle caps under the back of the tube, so it doesn’t sag down.

[Devi]

All right, I had a succesful dumping, thank you for the input!