5 replies to this topic

[dominatus]

I've made a really cool formicarium. It is in the final touches and I'll post lots of pictures soon. I have the cover for the front pretty much done, the cover that will block light and give the ants privacy when not being observed. I could use some latches or hinges or something but I really want to just use some strong magnets to hold it in place. Is there any reason this would bother or be detrimental to the ants, ants in general? These would Camponotus decipiens in this formicarium but I would like to use it as a general design feature in the future. I know magnetic fields are used my all sorts of animals, including insects but was unsure about ants or how they reacted to artificial ones.

 

I know most likely we don't really know the answer but I just wanted to get some thoughts on the matter just in case someone knew something.

 

Thank you!

[Silq]

I was wondering the same thing. I'm designing a formicarium/test tube holder to be mounted with neodymium magnets. If we don't get any responses, if you decide to try, I would like to hear your observations.

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[Kevin]

Neodymium magnets are frequently used in commercial formicaria designs. I'd say it's probably safe to keep your ants around magnets, I myself have used them in formicaria before also with no issues.

[Canadian anter]

As lonf as it's strong enough not to damage the formicarium it's fine

[Acutus]

Tar heels Ants use magnets to hold the glass in all their formicariums

[dominatus]

Interesting stuff y'all. Thank you for the responses. I don't think I planned ahead enough to incorporate magnets in this formicarium but I made do it for the next one. Thanks again!