11 replies to this topic

[cap_backfire]

So my Camponotus colony is growing fairly well and I have set them up in a "tubes and capsules" style setup (It's temporary but they really seem to enjoy it).   

Well, what I need help with or advice for is the ants have moved all of the eggs and larva into a chamber that's relatively far from the main nest/ queen.  The queen has most, if not all, of the pupae with her, but eggs are collected quickly to move into this far chamber.   

My question is, do I just trust them to know what's best or try to change things up?   This is my first major colony and 'new' behaviors ( for me) are sometimes a cause for concern-this being one of them.   

Thanks in advance for all your help, and in retrospect for all your help in the past!  What a great group!  

[TigrisDK]

I'm fairly new to this hobby as well, for what i have learned it's best to just let the ants do their thing, they usually knows what they are doing.

[cap_backfire]

Thanks!  That's basically what I wanted was affirmation.   IN a few weeks they move into their forever home, especially since they're doing so well.   Thanks for the heads up/ affirmation!  

[TestSubjectOne]

I agree with TigrisDK that it is usually best to let your ants do their own thing. I would also like to add that because many species of Camponotus live in wood, they have less of a need for moisture and can therefore leave their brood far from it without any issues. They are likely separating the brood due to their different moisture and heating needs.

[ANTdrew]

I agree with TigrisDK that it is usually best to let your ants do their own thing. I would also like to add that because many species of Camponotus live in wood, they have less of a need for moisture and can therefore leave their brood far from it without any issues. They are likely separating the brood due to their different moisture and heating needs.

Well said.

Edited by ANTdrew, February 13 2021 - 5:28 PM.

[AleeGuy]

I agree with TigrisDK that it is usually best to let your ants do their own thing. I would also like to add that because many species of Camponotus live in wood, they have less of a need for moisture and can therefore leave their brood far from it without any issues. They are likely separating the brood due to their different moisture and heating needs.

Yep, all stages of brood need different amount of heat and moisture. Pupae don't need as much humidity as larvae or eggs. I assume where the queen and the pupae are is warmer but drier than where they put the larvae and eggs in.

Edited by AleeGuy, February 14 2021 - 7:29 AM.

[Kaelwizard]

 

I agree with TigrisDK that it is usually best to let your ants do their own thing. I would also like to add that because many species of Camponotus live in wood, they have less of a need for moisture and can therefore leave their brood far from it without any issues. They are likely separating the brood due to their different moisture and heating needs.

Yep, all stages of brood need different amount of heat and moisture. Pupae's don't need as much humidity as larvae or eggs. I assume where the queen and the pupae's are is warmer but drier than where they put the larvae and eggs in.

 

Btw pupae is the plural form for pupa so there is no need for an s at the end.

[AleeGuy]

Btw pupae is the plural form for pupa so there is no need for an s at the end.

Thank you for the info, I fixed it.

[MinigunL5]

Could you provide a picture please? 

Edited by MinigunL5, February 14 2021 - 6:24 PM.

[Ants_Dakota]

This is just a sign that they are becoming a bigger colony. Bigger colonies have to move their brood around, because not all of it fits into one chamber. I also agree with AleeGuy about the moisture. Your ants are just fine, i believe. I have a colony of Camponotus, and they love their part of the test tube farthest away from the moist cotton.

Edited by Ants_Dakota, February 26 2021 - 11:54 AM.

[cap_backfire]

Thanks for the affirmation and the grammar checks-let's keep grammar perfect here, guys!   PLEASE!   

It's good to know they're doing just fine.   I'll post up some pics of the setup (as ridiculous as it is) possibly tomorrow.   
This is a great community and it's worth having ants just for the group of people involved in it.  So helpful so far

[Ants_Dakota]

Thanks for the affirmation and the grammar checks-let's keep grammar perfect here, guys!   PLEASE!   

It's good to know they're doing just fine.   I'll post up some pics of the setup (as ridiculous as it is) possibly tomorrow.   
This is a great community and it's worth having ants just for the group of people involved in it.  So helpful so far

Fixed.

Edited by Ants_Dakota, February 26 2021 - 11:55 AM.