Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Using Hollow sticks as a Nest

Started By JoeByron , Jun 11 2022 12:08 PM

Please log in to reply

3 replies to this topic

#1 Offline JoeByron - Posted June 11 2022 - 12:08 PM

Advanced Member

Members
113 posts

LocationKnoxville, Tennessee

Recently I've found a few queens or small colonies in hollowed sticks. And it gave me an idea.

I took them and cut them nearly in half. think like a capital letter C. I've boiled them and they are drying.

But I am going to take them and glue it to the side of a small acrylic box, and let the ants live in the sticks. On one end of it I plan on putting air tubing with cotton stuffed in one end to inject it with water for them.

Has anyone seen and can point me to a similar set up? Or have any experience in a similar setting you could share that might be helpful. thanks

#2 Offline ANTdrew - Posted June 11 2022 - 12:25 PM

Advanced Member

Moderators
10,277 posts

LocationAlexandria, VA

I think NickAnter did this for his Temnothorax. My thought is that you won’t really need the cotton for hydration. Species that live in hollow stems don’t need much moisture beyond having drinking water available in the outworld.

JoeByron likes this

"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#3 Offline NickAnter - Posted June 12 2022 - 2:15 PM

Advanced Member

Members
3,307 posts

LocationOrange County, California

Personally, I would put a bit of cotton in there just in case. That way if you leave for a trip or something, you know they will be fine.

ANTdrew and JoeByron like this

Hi there! I went on a 6 month or so hiatus, in part due, and in part cause of the death of my colonies.

However, I went back to the Sierras, and restarted my collection, which is now as follows:

Aphaenogaster uinta, Camponotus vicinus, Camponotus modoc, Formica cf. aserva, Formica cf. micropthalma, Formica cf. manni, Formica subpolita, Formica cf. subaenescens, Lasius americanus, Manica invidia, Pogonomyrmex salinus, Pogonomyrmex sp. 1, Solenopsis validiuscula, & Solenopsis sp. 3 (new Sierra variant).