30 replies to this topic

[Works4TheGood]

I find that capturing queens on pavement can be cumbersome and sometimes frustrating.  I was wondering if any of you have an easier way of doing it.  I typically use a piece of paper and hope that the queen walks onto it, a which point I can usually maneuver the queen into a prepared container, but I sometimes fail.  Do you folks do something similar?

 

I thought about maybe using a flower watering container with a small 2-inch hole cut into the bottom so that I can put the container over the queen and then literally pour her into a container.  I have no idea if it will work or not though.  Alternatively, I have a 3D printer and so I could design and print something if that's any more convenient.  Anyway, I'm just looking to see what you folks have to say on the subject.

[Loops117]

Look up an aspirator. I use one, and it's an absolute life saver. I safely collect whole entire colonies without the risk of hurting them.

[Loops117]

Also, really easy to make. I use spaghetti jars so i can easily swap out new jars and cap up caught queens or colonies...If youre only concerned about collecting queens, then a baby food jar would work.

[Subverted]

Look up an aspirator. I use one, and it's an absolute life saver. I safely collect whole entire colonies without the risk of hurting them.

 

Just don't use those on formicines.

[Loops117]

 

Look up an aspirator. I use one, and it's an absolute life saver. I safely collect whole entire colonies without the risk of hurting them.

 

Just don't use those on formicines.

 

Why not? It only kills the taste buds for an hour or so.

[dspdrew]

 

Look up an aspirator. I use one, and it's an absolute life saver. I safely collect whole entire colonies without the risk of hurting them.

 
Just dont use those on formicines.

 

 
Big formicines.


@Works4TheGood

 

I just put the container over the queen and wait for it to climb up the side. Once it does, flip it over and put the lid on.

[Okeedoke22]

Maybe I'm not patient enough but I always put a container over them. (Clear plastic film vials). They never seem to climb up. I always have to coax them on a leaf then to vial. Or on my hand.

[Works4TheGood]

Drew, what kind of container do you use?

Also, what's the difference between a booger aspirator for babies and an insect aspirator?

[dspdrew]

Drew, what kind of container do you use?

 

http://www.walmart.c...-x-5.3/39535151

 

 

Drew, what kind of container do you use?

Also, what's the difference between a booger aspirator for babies and an insect aspirator?

 

Have you ever looked at them?

[Loops117]

Those are almost exactly what i use. 8pack for $1 at the dollar store.

 

Also, are there any risks in using an aspirator for larger formicines? Should i be careful on what I'm inhaling?

[Subverted]

Also, are there any risks in using an aspirator for larger formicines? Should i be careful on what I'm inhaling?

 

My best advice is to take a large Camponotus worker and hold it between your fingertips...then inhale deeply smelling those. You will understand all you need to know

[camtheecologist]

Those are almost exactly what i use. 8pack for $1 at the dollar store.

 

Also, are there any risks in using an aspirator for larger formicines? Should i be careful on what I'm inhaling?

 

Many Formicines exude formic acid as a defense mechanism when alarmed, and getting a lungful from a larger species is very unpleasant. In large amounts, formic acid vapor can cause irritation and some other nasty side effects, but the amount of exposure you get from casual anting shouldn't ever cause you any grief, other than occasionally being caught off guard.

[LC3]

There is also a problem where they nuke themselves. Aka drown themselves in their own acid, it happens quite easily in a closed space while they're threatened.

[Loops117]

Ok, then i know exactly what you're talking about. I've only had the experience of collecting arboreal ants in this.(camponotus, crematogaster, and aphaenogaster). The two c.pennsylvanicus colonies had muh throat buzzin for about 15 mins, till i took a swig of water. If the slight irritation is my only concern, then i won't worry too much. Also, i've built inline filters since then. No more acid mouth.

[EstuaryAnts]

Where can I buy an aspirator?

[MrmrGatlin]

Bioquip has one that is kinda like the standard. https://www.bioquip....p?itemnum=1135A

[yen_saw]

Back in 2009 i saw an aspirator that works by exhaling, so no risk of filling your lung with acids.

[Loops117]

Where can I buy an aspirator?

 

Make your own, save money. Spaghetti sauce jars are what i use. I tapped two holes in one lid. Two tubes, 1 in, 1 out. And once i collect, i pull the aspirator lid off and put a solid/perforated lid on. Then put a new jar on my aspirator.

 

Also, the collection tubes i've seen on that site are -1ft in length. Mine is 4ft, with a 4ft suck tube. The jar sits in my backpack so it stays dark and doesn't fumble around while collecting, and your hands remain free. I look something similar to a Ghost Buster. It works amazingly, and i never have an issue. No deaths from such a long tube either.

Edited by Loops117, June 20 2016 - 10:54 AM.

[MrmrGatlin]

I would honestly make my own how Loops has instructed. Who doesn't have an almost empty or expired jar bangin around the fridge? You can get vinyl tubing from pretty much any hardware store for cheap if you don't have some kind of tube that you can recycle. I've also seen DIY versions just using bendy straws lol

[PTAntFan]

I am not a fan of aspirators at all.  I just use a large acrylic box (as big as you can hold in one hand) and something soft to direct the queen (Popsicle stick, light brush).  Absolutely simple to direct the queen into the box.  Once she's in I hold the box at an angle so that she's in a corner, put the edge of that corner to the entrance of a test tube and let gravity do the rest.  If I were ambitious, i'd line the corner with fluon, but it hasn't been needed really.  Occasionally a strong climbing species needs a little nudge to get heading towards the test tube.

 

This method is very fast and only the fastest queens give me trouble, which would be the case with anything.