5 replies to this topic

[Chandlerk]

Do test tube setups need to be hibernated?
Is it the same procedure? Specifically for L. neoniger and B. depilis

[T.C.]

yep, just put them in the fridge the same way!

[dermy]

I've heard sometimes test-tubes can "leak" during hibernation, [I think it's due to the temperature change but i'm not 100% sure] so it might be a good idea to prop them upright so it is less likely to occur, it would suck to go look on your ants and see that the test-tube flooded and your colony drowned

[Chandlerk]

Thanks for the quick replies!

Sounds like a good idea.

Will either of those species lay eggs before hibernation?

[dermy]

Assuming you just collected them and live in an area that gets "Winter" it is safe to assume they'd need to hibernate before egglaying [esp. the Lasius neoniger, I'm not sure about the other though]

[drtrmiller]

I've heard sometimes test-tubes can "leak" during hibernation, [I think it's due to the temperature change but i'm not 100% sure] so it might be a good idea to prop them upright so it is less likely to occur, it would suck to go look on your ants and see that the test-tube flooded and your colony drowned

 

Excellent observation, Dermy.  It is important to exercise caution when exposing test tubes to extreme or rapid temperature fluctuations, because the water and gasses in the reservoir are somewhat pressurized, only held in balance by the weak, semi-porous cotton plug.

An increase in temperature will increase the pressure in the reservoir, pushing gas and water outward, while a decrease in temperature will decrease the pressure, sucking additional air into the reservoir section of the test tube—air which must be depressurized back out if or when the temperature returns to normal.

 

In short, the water and gasses in the test tube "breathe" to the rhythm of external temperature fluctuations.

Edited by drtrmiller, September 23 2016 - 12:11 PM.