4 replies to this topic

[Worrawalan]

I bought a 3 Queen colony of camponotus nicobarensis ants about 3 months ago I think they had about 6 workers, so to begin with I kept them in a bamboo test tube. They have now grown needing a new nest so did the transfer about 2 days ago all went well but last night noticed a workers running around fast in the outworld within an hour one workers had grabbed hold by one leg and by this morning was almost dead I have now found the same again with another worker being held by the leg.
When they was in the bamboo tube with small box outworld I never noticed this type of behaviour so just wondered if anyone here knows what might be going on.

Regards Gary

[ANTS_KL]

probably stress... the bamboo test tube can actually be used much longer than expected. Most colonies die because ant keepers move them too early. You should move them back

[UtahAnts]

I agree, it's probably stress, but I would be careful of moving the colony back into their old nest. One move already puts a lot of stress on a colony, a second move, even to their old nest, may exacerbate the colony's situation. I would keep the colony in the nest they are in now. If the workers continue to attack, perhaps try cooling them, or providing more sugar, both of which sometimes help lower aggressive tendencies among workers.

[ANTS_KL]

I agree, it's probably stress, but I would be careful of moving the colony back into their old nest. One move already puts a lot of stress on a colony, a second move, even to their old nest, may exacerbate the colony's situation. I would keep the colony in the nest they are in now. If the workers continue to attack, perhaps try cooling them, or providing more sugar, both of which sometimes help lower aggressive tendencies among workers.

I do think the tube may be too big tho. Larger tubes cause stress if the colony feels exposed. I think they should add a little soil so the ants can modify the tube interior

[Worrawalan]

Thanks for all your comments and advice I’m please to say things have settled down and they seem to be a lot better now😄