6 replies to this topic

[M_Ants]

I have a small Solenopsis molesta colony in a test tube. I'd like to move them to a small formicarium I just made. How should I go about doing this? Also are these any fun to keep in the first place?

 

[Froggy]

assuming the larger box is the outworld, you could put them in the outworld, and then cover the nest part (and moisturize it) and put the outworld part in a bright spot

[M_Ants]

The outworld is the smaller box. Either way I don't want to have to dump them in.

[CatsnAnts]

Firstly, I’m really looking forward to my colonies of Solenopsis (theif ants), but it’s mainly because I love tiny species. I would give them a try, tiny swarms of ants can be a lot of fun.

 

Secondly, your formicarium looks awesome (how big is the larger box?)!

 

Thirdly, I would recommend dumping them in since their really isn’t any way to attach tubing or connect the test tube to the nest. It won’t hurt them, and you can use a wet q-tip to pick up the remaining eggs (if their are any). If you do have a connection port, you could simply hook the tube up to it by mounting the test tube or using a straw through the cotton, and then just expose the colony to a lot of light.

[M_Ants]

Thanks. The larger box is 2" sq. x 3/4" height.

[CatsnAnts]

Thanks. The larger box is 2" sq. x 3/4" height.

You may want to wait to move them into the formicarium, or else the colony might start to decline due to the excess space. I would wait until you have at least 20 workers, and if you do decide to dump them then make sure not to pound the test tube too hard, or else the water will start to flood the tube (I’ve had it happen before). Good luck!

[M_Ants]

Thanks. I think I will wait a bit. They have some mold on their cotton but they seem okay.