7 replies to this topic

[Solenoqueen]

2/12/19

This is may or may not be my excuse to be active again. I caught four queens last Sunday and put them into test tube setups. I apologize if the picture has crappy iPhone camera syndrome, I didn't exactly remember my camera at the time being, and the reflectance blocks out the majority of the ants. In one test tube I sprinkled some millet and wheatberries, and in the other three I put in grains of wild rice and millet respectively, and I'm not too sure if they are good enough seeds? I also decided not to put them into polygenous setups because when I tried to make a single two queen setup, the two were immediately found it fit to duke it out. I also promise I will bring the quality camera next time   


Since I'm slightly obsessive I will post weekly about the status of these guys.

Also, I have some concerns,

I don't know if I pushed the cottonball far enough into the water for a couple of the setups, so will that affect the survivability of the colony or am I exaggerating?

Is a weekly checkup too much disturbance?

Thanks guys!

https://imgur.com/vApJDZE

[anttics]

I recomend you read other journals. Your fine about the cotton. As long as its not supper thick, and its touching the water its fine. Get the sunflower seeds with out any condiments, or salt. Also try Kentucky blue grass seeds.

[YsTheAnt]

My queen never let her eggs develop when checked on once a week. I would do at most twice a month for no more than 30 seconds if you want a high success rate.

[Solenoqueen]

My queen never let her eggs develop when checked on once a week. I would do at most twice a month for no more than 30 seconds if you want a high success rate.

Thanks for the help! I might or might not remember you, but I’ll keep that in mind. Maybe a monthly or three week checkup will be better.
 

I recomend you read other journals. Your fine about the cotton. As long as its not supper thick, and its touching the water its fine. Get the sunflower seeds with out any condiments, or salt. Also try Kentucky blue grass seeds.

Ok, I’ll buy the Kentucky grass seeds. Although Drew’s and antics’ journals were great, one died and the other is gonna be sold, sadly. They’ve been really helpful and stuff. Thanks for the input. Also, does wild rice and millet sound appropriate, I stuck that in the test tubes and some red wheat berries in another one, is that ok?

(on a side note i just realized that you were anttics, how oblivious of me)

Edited by Solenoqueen, February 17 2019 - 10:43 AM.

[Rstheant]

It honestly depends on queens. Of course, leaving them be would make their growth explode, but I check on mine every week, no problem.

[Solenoqueen]

2/18/19

 

A certain beloved maternal figure took the shirt I was covering the ants with, so in a hurry I covered them again and let them be. No pictures taken due to the immediate situation.

They're all alive and well, and have cute little egg piles! I hope to see some of those mature into larvae in 2-3 weeks, and maybe even nanitics? We'll just have to see.

Some of the seeds on each of the test tubes grew into sprouts, should I be worried about that? 
 

[Rstheant]

No, it has happened with mine. But when the sprouts start taking over the tube, move the ants into a new one.

[Rstheant]

No, it has happened with mine. But when the sprouts start taking over the tube, move the ants into a new one.

When you reach larger colonies, they will chew the sprouts and either: throw them in their trash, or will eat it and feed some to the larvae.