9 replies to this topic

[DDD101DDD]

The title pretty much explains everything. All the tube connections are secure, the only possible way I believe they could've escaped was through the hole in their outworld, but I had a plug(that had a smaller hole in it though), so unless they all squeezed through that little hole I don't understand how. It's not like just a few escaped, I found a ton wandering around.

 

They congregated around a dish where I cut up a roach, with some in a random cup I used for catching them. Obviously I took them out before I took a picture.

 

 

If you can somehow spot a place where they're getting out, here are pictures of the setup.

 

 

 

If anyone has good ideas on how to make some kind of trap for wandering workers please tell me them, thanks.

 

 

[That_one_ant_guy]

Future bird had a pretty good idea, maybe you could try something similar https://www.formicul...ea/#entry217050

[T.C.]

Camponotus sp. are good at chewing through materials. Wood, tubing and even plastic. Trying to keep a single colony in only One Nest and One Outworld is best. When you start connecting new nests and outworlds in it increases the chances of escaping. And I know alot of people say "that's nearly impossible" but I've never struggled with it. Once a colony out grows the old nest, it's time for a new setup. I refuse to have twenty tubes running every which way. Not only is there a major risk of escaping and accidents, but also it just looks tacky. 

 

I personally strictly only keep Large colonies in a  "All in one setup." I know I'm not the only person who feels this way as I have custom requests for formicarium's where the nest and outworld is all in a single multi gallon enclosure.

[ANTdrew]

You need one of my CrematoProof outworlds.

[T.C.]

You need one of my CrematoProof outworlds.

I need to see this outworld, because I've seen you post that on other threads. Lol

[Serafine]

Trying to keep a single colony in only One Nest and One Outworld is best.

 

No it's not.

In my experience having loads of territory and long tracks to walk keeps them from doing stupid things like trying to break out. Tiny setups on the other hand encourage stupid behavior.

 

 

 

And yes, Camponotus can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps - 1mm is more than enough for the smaller workers.

Here's a pro tip: When you connect tubes to a new nest/outworld and don't have a proper port use tubing that's about 1-2mm thicker than the hole. Then dip the end of the tubing into hot water until it gets all soft and wobbly, push it through the hole (folding the end of the tubing might be necessary), fix (unfold) the end before it cools down, then wait for a few minutes.

If you've done things right you will need a kinfe to remove the tubing, it sits that rock solid.

Edited by Serafine, September 8 2022 - 12:00 PM.

[ANTdrew]

Check them out here in my shop. If they can stop Crematogaster, they WILL stop Camponotus.
https://www.formicul...colonies/page-3

[TacticalHandleGaming]

I see an AC plug in that nest. Those are well known for being chewed through. I'd check that next. 

[T.C.]

@serafine Yours are quite nicely setup though. We will have to agree to disagree.

@antdrew is the top lid acrylic? From my experience they become warped over time, but that's also usually due to high temperature or humidity.

[ANTdrew]

@serafine Yours are quite nicely setup though. We will have to agree to disagree.

@antdrew is the top lid acrylic? From my experience they become warped over time, but that's also usually due to high temperature or humidity.

Yes, the top lid is a friction fit acrylic. They’re quite sturdy, and I haven’t had issues with warping after years of use.