21 replies to this topic

[PhasorShift]

With anting season just around the corner, I figured I'd ask for help on something I struggled with last fall.

How do you pick up queens into your collection containers, without hurting them?

I use some small vials to collect queens in, and it can be difficult to get them to crawl inside. Sometimes they walk right in, but others avoid it skillfully no matter what I do and I end up crawling around like a fool for five minutes. Is there some trick you guys do to make sure the queen goes in the vial quickly and without much fuss?

[Kaelwizard]

You could guide it with your hands and if it decides to crawl on them then just dump it in. If you need to grab it with your hand, grabbing it by the wings if it has any is the best way to grab it without damaging anything it needs to survive. I also struggle with this sometimes.

[M_Ants]

This problem is easily fixed with some feather weight forceps. Idk if other people recommend or do this but for me I just gently grab a leg and put the queen in a container. Usually do this with bigger queens. For smaller ones I use an aspirator. 

[ANTdrew]

Always carry a stiff card of some sort along with your vials. Place the entire vial carefully over the queen, then slide the card under the vial gently. Flip it over, and the queen will tumble into the vial.

[KitsAntVa]

For queens without wings I prefer a cotton ball since they grab to it quickly and you can use that cotton ball she's on for your test tube, for queens with wings I still use cotton balls but also using your hand to grab the wings is also quite easy and won't harm the queen. Make sure she's at least 6mm for this method.

[Manitobant]

This may be controversial, but I simply use my hands. I’ve never killed a queen this way, and my queens turn out fine. I have tried other methods but the chances of them escaping are higher.

[PhasorShift]

My vials are a bit small to just place over top of the queen. I went for compact and easy to carry, then I transfer to a test tube when I get home.
I'll remember to bring a card next time I go out, that would probably help a lot.
I was thinking of making an aspirator that will deposit the queen right into the vial, but some people I was talking to think it's needlessly complicated.

[NickAnter]

This may be controversial, but I simply use my hands. I’ve never killed a queen this way, and my queens turn out fine. I have tried other methods but the chances of them escaping are higher.

Yes, I generally do this as well. Either that, or simply place the vial over the queen, and wait for her to climb up the sides. This works even with Pogonomyrmex, who can't climb, as you can flick the vial at the right time, sending the queen up into it.  Its tricky, but I find this to be the safest method.

[Manitobant]

This may be controversial, but I simply use my hands. I’ve never killed a queen this way, and my queens turn out fine. I have tried other methods but the chances of them escaping are higher.

Yes, I generally do this as well. Either that, or simply place the vial over the queen, and wait for her to climb up the sides. This works even with Pogonomyrmex, who can't climb, as you can flick the vial at the right time, sending the queen up into it.  Its tricky, but I find this to be the safest method.

i stopped using the vial method after i accidentally beheaded a leptothorax queen.

[Spazmops]

I do the method ANTdrew talked about, but with a leaf. It doesn't work well but I never remember a card. 

[gcsnelling]

Fingers almost exclusively. If large enough I just pick it up, if on the small side I wet my finger tip and apply the wet fingers to the ant.

[BugFinder]

I use a soft fluffy sponge.  It allows me traction to grab the ant, but it's soft and giving enough it doesn't harm the ant.

[Canadant]

The vial over top card method is effective but I find it risky. Ants move quick and bringing the vial down too quickly could injure the queen. I usually just remain patient and guide them in. If there are obstacles in the way and your worried about losing the queen I pick it up.

But the best way for me is to use an aspirator when your out and about - although there are situations obviously won't have one.

[Chickalo]

I use my hands like a wall, however occasinally the queens try to climb over it, and then ill just move them closer to the vial/test tube.  Sometimes the queen decides to try and fight back, and will defensivly open her jaws.  Sticks also work well.

[ponerinecat]

I've never managed to injure an ant with my hands if I'm careful enough. You just need to be aware of how much force you're applying. If you're uncomfortable with handling very small ants, use an aspirator. If you need to hold a queen for a long period of time, say if you forgot a container or don't have any left, grab the wings of alates and grab a dealate by the thorax then reposition her so you're only holding 2-3 legs.

[antsandmore]

the easiest is probably going to be aspirating, but there are situations when they run into the grass. at that point, you can either grab them with forceps or try to put them in a vial. 

[Ants_Dakota]

try to scare the queen into the test tube. usually, queens won't go into test tubes unless they are scared, so sort of push it around to scare it into running in one direction, and put the test tube in that same direction. chances are, the queen will run into the test tube. and chances you crush her are super minimal. (note though, this may not work for formica.)

[PhasorShift]

Yeah, I've had trouble getting queens to run into the tube, even if I'm corralling them towards it, they'll slip around and go the other way. It'll be even harder now that I have new vials with a lip, it's not as easy to just run in. I may try an aspirator, or getting her to run on a card which would be easier to position her to run into the tube. I also like the idea of gripping the queen between soft sponges.

[BugFinder]

manual aspirators are pretty inexpensive.  That's the safest bet.  I have one but rarely use it, the sponges work best for me and are quicker/easier for me to use than the aspirator.

[Triggerhippy888]

I use a piece of A4 paper, place it in front of them get them to run onto it. Then pick up the A4 paper make a U shape and just pinch the very edge of the paper to make a spout and tip and pour the queen into a test tube. They seem to slide about on paper quite well.