5 replies to this topic

[Noah Norman]

The biggest problem I face with creating nests for my ants, is the hydrating system. I know that ants do well with a moisturized nest or a hydrated nest, but is it really necessary for the ants life, will they really just die off without a moisturized nest. I am not talking about excluding a source of water for them, I all ways keep a test tube with water in their out world so they have something to drink.

[drtrmiller]

Ant larvae have thin skin and will dry out if humidity levels are too low. Even with species that live in drier nests, the nests are sealed and insulated in a way to maintain an optimal environment (eg. temperature, relative humidity) for brood development.

[Serafine]

It depends on the ant species. Many Camponotus species in particular have been proven to be very dry-resistent in recent studies, Camponotus pennsylvanicus larvae start to show deformations at 20% humidity which is WAY below the humidity level a normal room will ever have (you need an air dryer or climate control run on full power to get a room that dry) and Camponotus vagus can live in bone-dry wood. Myrmica ants on the other hand need it very very moist.

So depending on the species hydration my or may not be an issue.

[GeorgeK]

Just adding in my experience, i keep Liometopum Microcephalum colony in wooden nest, and i have never had to hydrate nest, altho i have test tube with water connected directly to the nest rather than the outworld.

[Works4TheGood]

I don't think they'll die, but I suspect that conditions will be too harsh to grow new workers.

[anttics]

I think with desert species is possible. I have seen a video in youtube. of messor barbarus colony in a ytong 40 gal tank formicarium. he had test tubes or feeders with water on the out world. the ants would come out to get water. then spit the water on larva and eggs that need moisture. he told me the colony needs to be minimum 500. if they are in the thousands is even more safe. as more months would be able to carry even store more water for the brood, and ants. I have never tried it. so be sure you do more research on this subject. and make sure your ant species is one that needs the least moisture. tropical ants will die.