5 replies to this topic

[CasiahJade]

So, I have a Novomessor cockerelli colony and they're regularly taking all the eggs out of the formicarium into the outworld overnight.

 

I'm trying to figure out why they do this, I must be doing something wrong that convinces them to do so.

[futurebird]

When ants move brood it's because the heat and/or humidity is superior in the location they move the brood to. Since outworlds tend to be more dry it may mean that the nest is too wet, or lacks enough of a gradient in humidity for the ants to find the ideal location. 

 

Since they only do it at night it must not be THAT bad since they are willing to keep the brood in during the day. Some have had ants move brood even during the day. 

 

Also, if you nest is crowded they may be looking for a new nest site. 

[CasiahJade]

They have access to two Mini-hearths right now.  The one they stay in during the day is bifrucated and off the heating pad.  I do not fill the water tower in this one and just rely on the nest mate for hydration.  Their other location is on the heating pad and I fill the water tower once every week or so.

 

Edit: That isn't to dismiss the suggestion, but to establish their current conditions and see what more I need to do for them.

Edited by CasiahJade, August 29 2021 - 7:02 AM.

[gcsnelling]

Novomessor very commonly moves brood during the night. I have lost track of the number of times I have seen wild colonies with brood outside covering the nest mound at night.

[ANTdrew]

Ants also do not consider their outworld to be outside. With no airflow and dim light, it’s just another part of the nest to them.

[CasiahJade]

Ok, so this isn't necessarily something that I'm doing wrong.  That's good.