26 replies to this topic

[Lillyrose]

1. Can I apply Fluon to an active colony? Or must it only be when the container is empty?

2. Will my ants hate an acrylic bottom? I'm having a hard time with substrate ... do I need to have it? Will it make them happier?

3. How do you all take such good pictures? Mine are blurry messes!

[NickAnter]

I have a plain acrylic outworld--I personally think it looks cleaner, and it is, as it makes it harder for things to mold. Ants that aren't very good at climbing on smooth surfaces wouldntlike it, as they end up slipping around a bit, and find difficulty in walking. Most ants are just fine though.

[ANTdrew]

Yes, you can apply fluon to a container with ants in it. It is not toxic in any form.
I agree with Nick, a bare bottom is fine. It’s mostly a question of aesthetics. Your Tetramorium will really appreciate a super thin layer of dry sand, though.

[Kaelwizard]

You will need substrate for species that make cocoons as it serves as scaffolding.

[Lillyrose]

You will need substrate for species that make cocoons as it serves as scaffolding.

Ok ... they make cocoons? 🤯

I didn't know any species did

[Kaelwizard]

 

You will need substrate for species that make cocoons as it serves as scaffolding.

Ok ... they make cocoons?

I didn't know any species did

 

Genera in Formicinae. (Camponotus, Lasius, Formica, etc.)

Edited by Kaelwizard, March 10 2021 - 5:21 AM.

[ANTdrew]

She only has Tetramorium, so it’s not an issue. They still love moving sand around and build cool ramps and walls around their tube entrance. Just keep it very dry and a super thin layer.

[Antcatcherpro3]

 

 

You will need substrate for species that make cocoons as it serves as scaffolding.

Ok ... they make cocoons?

I didn't know any species did

 

Genera in Formicinae. (Camponotus, Lasius, Formica, etc.)

 

My formica don't make coccoons. And they are for sure formica.

[KitsAntVa]

Dude, Formica make cocoons but your probably haven't yet. Its a rare thing to see in a young colony, especially with your species and since you only have 1-2 workers at a time. I apply olive oil, baby powder with rubbing alcohol on my set ups all the time with ants inside. Just be careful as floun fumes are dangerous for a number of other pets.

[Kaelwizard]

 

 

 

You will need substrate for species that make cocoons as it serves as scaffolding.

Ok ... they make cocoons?

I didn't know any species did

 

Genera in Formicinae. (Camponotus, Lasius, Formica, etc.)

 

My formica don't make coccoons. And they are for sure formica.

 

Formica are weird in that they will sometimes make cocoons, and sometimes not. If you provide yours with substrate they will most likely start making them, however, I don't know what kind of affect being naked or cocooned has on worker development.

Edited by Kaelwizard, March 10 2021 - 7:28 AM.

[Antcatcherpro3]

My workers turned out fine without cocoons. Thanks for tip.

[Lillyrose]

She only has Tetramorium, so it’s not an issue. They still love moving sand around and build cool ramps and walls around their tube entrance. Just keep it very dry and a super thin layer.

Ok, does that mean I want a very fine sand?

[ANTdrew]

Dollar Tree has good sand in different colors you can use. Just keep it dry and super thin. No more than 1/4 inch deep. Tetramorium's favorite thing in life to do is move sand, so I think it is good for them.

[Temperateants]

 

 

 

 

You will need substrate for species that make cocoons as it serves as scaffolding.

Ok ... they make cocoons?

I didn't know any species did

 

Genera in Formicinae. (Camponotus, Lasius, Formica, etc.)

 

My formica don't make coccoons. And they are for sure formica.

 

Formica are weird in that they will sometimes make cocoons, and sometimes not. If you provide yours with substrate they will most likely start making them, however, I don't know what kind of affect being naked or cocooned has on worker development.

 

I'm pretty sure formicine ants make cocoons to protect against formic acid, and a naked cocoon will 99% develop well, but may be more sensitive to formic acid.

[Lillyrose]

Guys!!!

Thank you :-) I got some nice white sand and I think I got it set up well!

Now she won't come out, probably cause she feels safer in there ... but none of the workers are either. I hope they come out and get a bite to eat soon


I'm so excited

[Lillyrose]

White might not be the most aesthetically, but it will let me see them better.

I have a piece of white foam over her because she really seems to hate the light.

http://imgur.com/a/Kp2dLzqa private entrance so they don't feel the tube is too open and scary.

http://imgur.com/a/I7QZN01

http://imgur.com/a/1d28oYY

I know compared to what everyone else makes it really lame but I'm super happy.

Wish they would come out so I can see them.

[ANTdrew]

How many workers are there? They can be really timid at first, but that will drastically change in a few weeks. Enjoy this docile, easy phase while it lasts.

[Lillyrose]

How many workers are there? They can be really timid at first, but that will drastically change in a few weeks. Enjoy this docile, easy phase while it lasts.

maybe 7? They are really tiny and move fast so I had trouble counting them... but not a lot.

Hehe I can't wait till I'm complaining about how much they eat or how active they are.

[BugFinder]

White might not be the most aesthetically, but it will let me see them better.

I have a piece of white foam over her because she really seems to hate the light.

http://imgur.com/a/Kp2dLzqa private entrance so they don't feel the tube is too open and scary.

http://imgur.com/a/I7QZN01

http://imgur.com/a/1d28oYY

I know compared to what everyone else makes it really lame but I'm super happy.

Wish they would come out so I can see them.

 

Nice job!  I like putting the test tube in a small plastic box, and putting the substrate in the box, and placing the tube in that box on the substrate.