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Help moving a colony that’s burrowed into their test-tube cotton.

Started By AntBoi3030 , Aug 29 2021 5:56 PM

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3 replies to this topic

#1 Offline AntBoi3030 - Posted August 29 2021 - 5:56 PM

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So I have a small Solenopsis molesta colony and they’ve burrowed into their cotton. I
Their test tube is also fairly mouldy and they haven’t moved when exposed to light.

My favorite queens/colony’s:
Pheidole Tysoni, Selonopis Molesta, Brachymyrmex Depilis, Tetramorium Immagrians, Prenolepis Imparis, Pheidole Bicirinata

#2 Offline ANTdrew - Posted August 30 2021 - 2:11 AM

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Did you try direct sunlight?

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Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#3 Offline futurebird - Posted August 30 2021 - 3:22 AM

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If the test tube is plastic you can use a soldering iron to melt a hole in the water chamber and then empty it. (if you do this keep the tube vertical since once you poke a hole the water may flood out in the direction of the ants.) With the water removed (provided they have at least explored the new home, and know where it is) they should move more quickly as the cotton dries.

If you want to be harsh you can push the cotton out from the back and drop it in the outworld. Then they will get their brood and move.

These are both more stressful, but if the colony seems robust it shouldn't be an issue.

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#4 Offline AntBoi3030 - Posted August 30 2021 - 9:04 AM

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718 posts

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Did you try direct sunlight?

not yet, I don't want to fry them

My favorite queens/colony’s:
Pheidole Tysoni, Selonopis Molesta, Brachymyrmex Depilis, Tetramorium Immagrians, Prenolepis Imparis, Pheidole Bicirinata

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