29 replies to this topic

[Ants101]

Do you mist the out world because I have my Strumigenys pulchella out world humidity as well just so I can farm the springtails in there out world giving them unlimited supply of food.

 

I keep the springtail colony in a separate container where I make sure their environment is lightly moist.

 

I aspirate the springtails out of container to put them in the formicarium for ant hunting and feeding time.

 

I don't spray the outworld of the formicarium.

[bmb1bee]

I will be careful as much as possible. I did find them in a park where there are very cold winters.

 

The plan is that I will gradually lower the temperature in the fridge maybe 1 degree every week from 64 F to 50F (maybe 48F).

 

I will also keep an eye on them making sure there is no condensation inside their nest space and make sure there is sugar water available at all times.

I think taking heat off as ZTY said is a good idea. I'm just worried about their protein if you put them in the fridge. Does anyone know if cryptic ants like Strumis require protein in hibernation or even hibernate? 

[Ants101]

I have already placed the colony in a wine cooler refrigerator that is set at 64°F and I will gradually lower the temperature by 1 degree every

 

week or so depending on how they are doing. This is what worked for me the last time I did the diapause for other ant colonies.

 

This link from tarheelants was helpful for me when it comes to diapause:

 

Preparation Help for Diapause | Ant Home (tarheelants.blogspot.com)

 

 

 

 

Keep in mind that this colony has been found in an area where the winter temperatures does reach below 0°F with snow. 

 

I will keep them around the 45°F to 50°F temperature for their winter diapause and have weekly fresh sugar water available for them.

 

I noticed the wood in the outworld of the formicarium is starting to mold a bit, so I went ahead and removed it.  

Edited by Ants101, November 30 2022 - 10:32 AM.

[Ant-nig321]

Good kuck with them

[Ants101]

I will quickly show how the DIY formicarium is made for the tiny ant colonies I keep.

 

All materials are bought online or in store at Amazon (online), Michaels Craft Store and the Container Store.

 

This is a very basic explanation of everything, mostly in the form of pictures.

 

Please understand that I am a basic ant hobbyist who have watched many DIY videos from YouTube and is still learning.

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Here are some links to the supplies that were used.

 

Some items may need to be purchased in store.

 

 

The Hydrocal Plaster-

https://www.amazon.c...product_details

 

Mix 2 parts of plaster to 1 part (or more) of H20 (You can adjust the thickness by putting less or more water)

 

Use a plastic fork (prefer this than a spoon) to stir well.

 

Wear a good face mask (too much air born plaster dust can be breathed into your lungs!)

 

 

Use a silicone measuring 2-cup size (flexible) for mixing plaster mix-

Amazon.com: OXO Good Grips 2-Cup Squeeze & Pour Silicone Measuring Cup with Stay-Cool Pattern: Home & Kitchen

 

 

The acrylic container formicarium/outworld that I used was the 4.375" W x 1.4375" H (many sizes out there, it depends on what size you want to make) -

 

https://www.amazon.c...product_details     <--- Try using a taller outworld like the 6" W x 2.5" H.

 

 

The Acrylic lids for the nest (depending what size you are planning to make)-

 

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

Small Magnets to hold acrylic lid (keep in mind that the magnets do rust when in contact with water/moisture. I am still looking for a rust-free magnet)-

 

Amazon.com: DIYMAG 200PCS Refrigerator Magnets Premium Brushed Nickel Fridge, Office Magnets, Silver, 6X3 mm : Industrial & Scientific

 

 

White Sand (Surely there are cheaper options out there but make sure they are Ant/Insect safe)- 

 

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

PTFE Tubing (1mm x 2mm)-

 

PTFE Tubing

 

 

Blunted needles with syringe for adding water in PTFE tubes:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08G8XNFKK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

 

Steel hole puncher-

 

Amazon.com: Hole Puncher, Long Handle Manual Plug Rubber Stopper Perforator Experimental Drilling Tool for Laboratory Experiment : Tools & Home Improvement

 

 

Stainless Steel Woven Wire 120 Mesh-

 

Amazon.com: TIMESETL 304 Stainless Steel Woven Wire 120 Mesh - 12"X40" Filter Screen Sheet Filtration Cloth : Industrial & Scientific

 

 

Wood burning tool (Never leave unattended) –

 

https://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Versa-Temp-Temperature-Woodburning/dp/B005P1TRAS?ref_=ast_sto_dp

 

 

The Resin Silicone Mold (many versions out there) - I used a small version (2 inches or 6 cm wide) at the store called Michaels Craft for $19.99 (not cheap!)

 

Here is another version but are slightly larger, therefore you will need larger acrylic lids for the nest and maybe a larger outworld container:

 

Amazon.com: SILIVO Round Cake Pans - Set of 4 Silicone Molds for Baking, Nonstick & Quick Release Baking Pans for Layer Cakes, Cheese Cakes, Rainbow Cakes and Chocolate Cakes - 3+5+7+9 inch: Home & Kitchen

Edited by Ants101, February 19 2023 - 12:04 PM.

[Ant-nig321]

Wow,good job!.I think i may try it in the nearest future.

[Leptomyrmx]

I will quickly show how the DIY formicarium is made for the tiny ant colonies I keep.

 

All materials are bought online or in store at Amazon (online), Michaels Craft Store and the Container Store.

 

This is a very basic explanation of everything, mostly in the form of pictures.

 

Please understand that I am a basic ant hobbyist who have watched many DIY videos from YouTube and is still learning. 

 

Gotta be one of the best DIY tutorials I've seen, awesome job! Good luck with the colony in hibernation.

[Ants101]

As of January 23, 2023, the colony has been in diapause for about a month.

 

In the first week or so, I have lost 3 adults because they have drowned in the sugar water or condensation water drops outside their nest.

 

After this, I have adjusted to these unexpected situations and am now seeing no lost so far. It should no longer be an issue. 

 

 

You can see that the colony don't really huddle together like my other ant colonies.

 

They are spread out and some would prefer to stay outside of the entrance of their nest.

 

 

 

I have also placed the silver springtail colonies in the ~50°F fridge. It doesn't appear cold enough for them and they are quite active. 

 

Keep in mind that these springtails are wild caught and are adaptable to the cold winter months.

 

I trying to limit their numbers because they do multiply quickly. I just replace their food once a week or so.

 

Condensation is no problem for them because their bodies repel water somehow. 

 

 

[antsriondel]

Nice colony! I also love the formicarium tutorial, and may use it in the future depending if I have the materials.

[AntsCali098]

Very nice. I'd love that species