3 replies to this topic

[TheMicroPlanet]

So suppose a test tube gets moldy (i don't know why it would, as it would be too cold for mold growth) whilst the ants inside are hibernating, or the test tube floods or cracks or spontaneously combusts (unlikely). What should I do? Wake them up to move them or just keep them in the setup?

[CampoKing]

I mean, I've moved numerous small colonies during hibernation. If they don't roll or slide or gently fall out, I use Q-tips to gently latch onto their little Velcro-like feet to carry them from one spot to another (a damp Q-tip works with eggs & larvae the same way). I'd never use tweezers, the risk of crushing is way too high.
I guess the only other suggestion is to precool your destination before moving them into it, so they can keep on sleeping.

Edited by CampoKing, December 25 2019 - 6:01 PM.

[TheMicroPlanet]

I mean, I've moved numerous small colonies during hibernation. If they don't roll or slide or gently fall out, I use Q-tips to gently latch onto their little Velcro-like feet to carry them from one spot to another (a damp Q-tip works with eggs & larvae the same way). I'd never use tweezers, the risk of crushing is way too high.
I guess the only other suggestion is to precool your destination before moving them into it, so they can keep on sleeping.

Thanks. And about the tweezers: what if I were to use those featherweight forceps that are used a lot in entymology? Just for reference, they're kind of like tweezers but, like their name implies, they're very soft on the insect and don't crush them like the tweezers one would use for picking out splinters or something.

[CampoKing]

Thanks. And about the tweezers: what if I were to use those featherweight forceps that are used a lot in entymology? Just for reference, they're kind of like tweezers but, like their name implies, they're very soft on the insect and don't crush them like the tweezers one would use for picking out splinters or something.

That's up to you. I just don't trust *myself* with those squeezy things lol