3 replies to this topic

[Canadant]

I have a four camponotus queens on the go with broods. Two colonies have several nsnitics at the moment. Unfortunately these two colonies were started in test tubes that were quit small. Tge water situation is now almost gone. I have both test tubes connected to larger test tubes with fresh water. However the ants have barely strayed in for a look. As a matter of fact one brood has moved closer to the current rubes water supplt. I'm hoping that when the water dries up they'll just move to the new tubes. Sound right? Both colonies have 4-7 workers (in just 6 weeks!). Thoughts?

Sincerely,

Canadant

[BMM]

If you haven't already, cover up the new test tube and put the old one in a well lit spot. That will encourage them to move. Also, if you heat up the old test tube, the ants will eventually move as well. Just be careful and increase the temperature gradually. You don't want to accidentally kill them.

[FeedTheAnts]

I've found that putting them outside where natural sunlight can stream in is more effective than artificial light. Makes sense though, because if they were disturbed in the wild than that is the kind of light that would come in.

[Russell]

I moved a colony of Camponotus over to a new tube tonight by this method. Raped new test tube in dark paper and taped two tubes together. Left under lamp but after several hours had not moved. Moved to window and about 60 min later old tube empty and all eggs moved.