Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Calling all expert pinners (my dead ant collection)

Started By futurebird , Nov 20 2021 2:00 PM

Please log in to reply

3 replies to this topic

#1 Offline futurebird - Posted November 20 2021 - 2:00 PM

Advanced Member

Members
836 posts

LocationNew York City, NY

I thought it'd be fun to learn to "pin" ants so I could keep one of each species I encounter and learn to compare and better identify them. I got a bunch of equipment from "bioquip" and read some articles about how to pin ants and today I tried my best.

Everything is going well... but I can't seem to position the ant on the paper "point" as described.

It doesn't help that I was working with a nylanderial and a lasius worker. So dang tiny!

Any tips?

This one is "sideways" Maybe I need to cut even smaller paper points?

Antkeeper01, eea and PaigeX like this

Starting this July I'm posting videos of my ants every week on youTube.

I like to make relaxing videos that capture the joy of watching ants.

If that sounds like your kind of thing... follow me >here<.

#2 Offline ANTdrew - Posted November 20 2021 - 2:20 PM

Advanced Member

Moderators
9,946 posts

LocationAlexandria, VA

I think Ferox Formicae has a tutorial on this here.

Antkeeper01 likes this

"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#3 Offline Skwiggledork - Posted November 20 2021 - 4:22 PM

Advanced Member

Members
367 posts

LocationUlster county, NY

I'm slowly getting better. It just takes a lot of practice. I would save up your smaller ants in vials of alcohol and practice on bigger ants like Formica or Camponotus until you get the hang of it. If you'd like I can send you a bunch of C.pennsylvanicus workers to practice on. I just killed one of my queens by mistake.