111 replies to this topic

[M_Ants]

This journal will follow my favorite ant colony...my pots. Got these from Nurbs on September 4th I believe. Will do a more detailed update tomorrow. Just getting something up.

 

Edited by M_Ants, June 23 2021 - 9:22 AM.

[TechAnt]

Their adorable! I'm suprised your queen does not mind the light. Mine hates any light.

[M_Ants]

That's a pic Nurbs sent me before he shipped them.

[B_rad0806]

Real nice! I have a spot very close to me that has these so I hope to acquire some next year

[M_Ants]

Here are some pics the day they arrived. 9/4/2020

[M_Ants]

I had to wait a 2 weeks for my Mini Hearth XL to air out so I dumped them into the outworld the Saturday after I got them. They didn't want to move but I think when I turned out the light to sleep they got more active and moved in. When I woke up they were all in and had moved their 3 larvae as well. 

[M_Ants]

They didn't do much foraging at first but lately I've noticed them foraging at night. I gave them part of a dubia and some nectar.

[M_Ants]

Made this liquid feeder for them. Should be safe. It's just glass with an aluminium lid but I'm cautious so I'm testing it on other ants. Let me know if there's any reason I shouldn't use it. 

Made it after I bought these containers and then saw this https://www.formicul...old#entry158663

Edited by M_Ants, September 18 2020 - 2:22 PM.

[AntEater]

so cool ill give u 100 for them

 

[TechAnt]

so cool ill give u 100 for them

 

One: That is less then the price he bought them for.

Two: I don't believe he bought these to sell them.

Three: You need to have your location in your member profile.

[M_Ants]

Um...that was my brother being annoying...

Not sure why he's on here.

Edited by M_Ants, September 23 2020 - 11:34 AM.

[M_Ants]

Update:

They are pretty shy. I occasionally catch a worker foraging but not often. Also I noticed a mound of sand today which might mean cocoons soon!

[M_Ants]

Woke up to a worker digging up sand I added to the outworld. Turns out none of the larvae pupated but they did manage to take down 2 fruit flies which the larvae are now eating.

Edited by M_Ants, January 31 2021 - 12:07 PM.

[B_rad0806]

I'd recommend pouring sand down the nest entrance. This way the workers won't have to bring the larvae up into the outworld to turn to pupae. 

[M_Ants]

I'd recommend pouring sand down the nest entrance. This way the workers won't have to bring the larvae up into the outworld to turn to pupae. 

Won't they bring sand into the nest themselves? I see a little in there already I think.

[Cephalotus]

I had to wait a 2 weeks for my Mini Hearth XL to air out

Why?

[M_Ants]

They have a strong chemically smell when they first arrive that apparently is bad for the ants. Airing it out for 2-3 weeks gets rid of it. 

[Cephalotus]

Where did you hear about this? The only issues with chemicals I’ve heard of with THA nests was back in 2017 with their type two nests which were discontinued anyway. I don’t think there’s any risk to the ants with their current nests but please correct me if I’m wrong. I was going to place some ants straight in some mini hearths that I have on the way but now your post has me scared lol.

[M_Ants]

Well Nurbs told me to so I did. I personally smelled a chemically smell when I first got my mini hearth which went away after I aired it out. Don't know much about how dangerous it is. Maybe Nurbs can clarify. 

Edited by M_Ants, September 28 2020 - 3:47 PM.

[Cephalotus]

Interesting info. If he could chime in that would be great