5 replies to this topic

[steam_funk]

My Solenopsis Invicta colony is running out of water in their test tube. They are currently in a red tinted test tube in a out-world connected to formicaria. I want them to move anyway because they have a lot of mold in it as well. The test tube is close to drying up and probably has a few days before it is completely dry. Should I dump them forcefully or give them another test tube. 

[AntsMaryland]

I would just give them another tube. I really doubt your Solenopsis invicta colony will be stubborn about moving. I usually dump my colonies from one test tube to another because I am rather impatient, but for a stinging species I wouldn't. You run the risk of a worker crawling on your hand and stinging you. Just not necessary. Good luck!

Edited by AntsMaryland, June 11 2020 - 12:17 PM.

[Zeiss]

If you want them to move into the formicarium, you can do one of two things: dump them (which I do for my ants), or wait for conditions in the test tube to become too uncomfortable for them.

 

Also, when writing the binomial nomenclature for things, species is always lowercase (eg Solenopsis invicta).

[steam_funk]

If you want them to move into the formicarium, you can do one of two things: dump them (which I do for my ants), or wait for conditions in the test tube to become too uncomfortable for them.

 

Also, when writing the binomial nomenclature for things, species is always lowercase (eg Solenopsis invicta).

 

I would just give them another tube. I really doubt your Solenopsis invicta colony will be stubborn about moving. I usually dump my colonies from one test tube to another because I am rather impatient, but for a stinging species I wouldn't. You run the risk of a worker crawling on your hand and stinging you. Just not necessary. Good luck!

 

Is there any risk that dumping would stress them enough to kill the colony. They have a few queens and 30-40 workers along with a bean sized pile of brood. I don't have a extra red tinted test tube on hand and I have never tried dumping with a colony besides camponotus.

[AntsMaryland]

I think dumping would be kind of unnecessary in this situation to be honest. Just put a fresh test tube next to this one in the outworld and they should move in a day or two. HOWEVER, if you are really adamant about dumping them, tap them into another test tube and take a damp q tip, and if their is any brood on the glass, gently use the q-tip to role it on and place it inside the new test tube – if that makes any sense. Although I doubt dumping these guys in any sensible form would lead to the death of the colony.

[Ants_Dakota]

I have dumped ants into new test tubes all the time, and no major injury to the ants has happened yet. They might not lay eggs for a week, though...