I just completed my first successful test tube move. My initial test tube was running low on water so I decided to force things a bit about a week ago. I connected the test tube to another with cotton tissue (one was smaller in width) and just keep a light on them. They didn't budge. Next, I put the ants (Camponotus novaeborcensis) in direct sunlight and things went south. The ants and queen panicked and moved the brood. Condensation started and it looked sudden and forced. Once I took them out of direct sunlight they immediately moved back in. And I mean right away! So, I learned a lesson that day with ant farming: Patience is key. The ants will do the right thing when the time comes. So, I hooked them up to an ants Canada test tube portal and left another test tube connected with paper covering it so it was dark. As soon as the water was gone in a few days, I checked and the brood (10 workers) had moved everything into the new test tube. Not an egg in sight!. The only thing remaining was the queen. Checked today and she was moved as well. Lesson learned. The ants know what to do. I'm so happy.
Sincerely,
Canadant
