2 replies to this topic

[Solenoqueen]

I’m actually rather new to ant-keeping, and even though I hear Camponotus is relatively simple to keep, I’m mainly having issues with feeding and stuff. I don’t really know what and how to feed them, I’m afraid they’ll come spurting out of the test tube. Should I provide an outworks or something, or a formicarium for them? Also, how should I hibernate them? Thanks.

[Antennal_Scrobe]

Feeding ants in test tubes is not that hard usually; try taking the cotton out and putting it right back, just to see what they do. That way, you'll know how they'll react to being fed without risking a major breakout. Buy mealworms or better yet crickets from a local pet store, and freeze them. This will humanely kill them, as live feeding can be dangerous to ants except when very small insects, like fruit flies, are used. Small or picky colonies love cricket legs, which can be pulled off the frozen animals and given a squeeze to push out the tasty muscles. Whole crickets are good for large colonies. Be careful when feeding mealworms to test tube colonies; they are runnier than crickets and can make a mess or drown your ants. I usually chop up the insects with a scissors before offering them; ants can have trouble getting past the exoskeleton. Raw honey is great for workers to eat, but is not a substitute for insects, which have proper nutrition for the brood.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Put the test tube in an outworld. They like moister insects (such as mealworms and stuff like that) but freeze all insect food items. Cut the insects in pieces so they have immediate access to the juicy, protein rich parts. PM me if you have any more questions