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[Culture321]

Here's a picture of the nest. How long is a few? Ty.

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Edited by Culture321, May 5 2024 - 3:47 AM.

[bmb1bee]

Here's a picture of the nest. How long is a few? Ty.

The nest is much too large for a queen and a single worker. It would be best to move them back into a test tube. "A few" is just a guess, but egg to worker takes around a month. Not sure how well they'd do with just one worker tending to the colony, but their next batch of workers won't be that many. It'll take at least another generation or two of workers to reach the 50+ count. Their growth is already heavily delayed, but they should be able to make a rebound if you take care of them well enough. 

[Culture321]

Here's a picture of the nest. How long is a few? Ty.

The nest is much too large for a queen and a single worker. It would be best to move them back into a test tube. "A few" is just a guess, but egg to worker takes around a month. Not sure how well they'd do with just one worker tending to the colony, but their next batch of workers won't be that many. It'll take at least another generation or two of workers to reach the 50+ count. Their growth is already heavily delayed, but they should be able to make a rebound if you take care of them well enough.

Seen some online. Took 60 days on YouTube with a similar nest this size. I only left like 10 dandelion seeds in the Out World with the 3ml byFormica Mini. Is there anything else I can do right now to speed up the process?

[Artisan_Ants]

Just leave them in the dark and check on them every week or longer (even better). Also; I would consider getting a THA Mini Hearth formicarium as they are superb for all founding ant colonies; species including Pogonomyrmex exclusively as mentioned on their website. This is only if want a formicarium though cause like what bmb1bee suggested; I would keep them in a test tube setup.

[Culture321]

Just leave them in the dark and check on them every week or longer (even better). Also; I would consider getting a THA Mini Hearth formicarium as they are superb for all founding ant colonies; species including Pogonomyrmex exclusively as mentioned on their website. This is only if want a formicarium though cause like what bmb1bee suggested; I would keep them in a test tube setup.

Always died when I kept them in tube. A week in the dark? What about feeding and water? I have a heat pad and 5 hr heat lamp during afternoon and lights off for 12+ hrs.

[Artisan_Ants]

Then that's perfect for them. If you can’t keep them in a test tube then a formicarium is the best way to go like you mentioned. Just get a small one which will fit their size and you’re good to go. The heat you are providing is enough for them to start growing and exploding in growth and the feeding is usual; about 5-7 seeds twice or once a week (there are better methods to feed seeds from advanced Pogonomyrmex or harvester ant keepers but I’m just suggesting a basic amount based on the size of your colony) and a mealworm or your protein source every week after, or a couple days after they finish their previous meal. You won’t have to worry about sugars as you are giving them in a liquid feeder which will last a while. You might want to provide them with substrate as it gives them a more natural feel like when they live in the wild. I isn’t necessary though a the brood DO NOT need it to pupate as I’m pretty sure all Pogonomyrmex species including Rusgosus have naked pupae. For the checkup date your can always find something that's suits you. For me it’s a week but when you make it; makes sure it is more than 3 days, 4 being the minimum. Anyways with all that being said; good luck!

[bmb1bee]

If they're already languishing in that nest, the best thing to do would be to remove them ASAP and transfer to a test tube. It's never a good idea to leave them in a nest too large for the colony to handle. They'll place their trash in the spare chambers, which could lead to mold growth and mites. Additionally, they'll have a more difficult time navigating and finding food. You mentioned that they keep dying when housed in tubes; they shouldn't have any problems if they're being kept in tubes the right way. 

 

1) Add water, plug with cotton up to water line.

 

2) Move the ants in.

 

3) Pour a few seeds in.

 

4) Plug with another cotton ball.

 

5) Place in dark area hear heating mat/cable.

 

6) Leave alone for a few days to get them acclimated.

 

The reason I keep bringing up tubes is because they're extremely easy to keep track of and manage. If prepared correctly, they should have pretty much everything the ants need with the exception of food. Since seeds will be eaten one at a time, just leave a small pile inside the test tube. They'll eat them when they need to and you won't have to feed daily.

[AsdinAnts]

Also, make sure to crack the seeds so that they don't sprout, and so that its easier for the ants to make bread.

[Culture321]

Then that's perfect for them. If you can’t keep them in a test tube then a formicarium is the best way to go like you mentioned. Just get a small one which will fit their size and you’re good to go. The heat you are providing is enough for them to start growing and exploding in growth and the feeding is usual; about 5-7 seeds twice or once a week (there are better methods to feed seeds from advanced Pogonomyrmex or harvester ant keepers but I’m just suggesting a basic amount based on the size of your colony) and a mealworm or your protein source every week after, or a couple days after they finish their previous meal. You won’t have to worry about sugars as you are giving them in a liquid feeder which will last a while. You might want to provide them with substrate as it gives them a more natural feel like when they live in the wild. I isn’t necessary though a the brood DO NOT need it to pupate as I’m pretty sure all Pogonomyrmex species including Rusgosus have naked pupae. For the checkup date your can always find something that's suits you. For me it’s a week but when you make it; makes sure it is more than 3 days, 4 being the minimum. Anyways with all that being said; good luck!

So they'll be fine in that nest? It's been about a week for the Rugosus. There's heat pad on for 12/12. Lights in nest 5hrs and heat lamp during the afternoon for 5-6hrs. Queens been drinking water for the whole day yesterday. Never left the 3ml byFormica Mini until this morning after half a cricket and crawled back into the nest. Haven't seen any eggs yet. The first batch of eggs disappeared. When do you think she'll lay more?

[Culture321]

Also, make sure to crack the seeds so that they don't sprout, and so that its easier for the ants to make bread.

It's Dandelion seeds. Do they actually eat the whole seed? Haven't seen any workers or Queen eat them. Don't think they'll sprout in the Out World. No water or soil.

[Culture321]

If they're already languishing in that nest, the best thing to do would be to remove them ASAP and transfer to a test tube. It's never a good idea to leave them in a nest too large for the colony to handle. They'll place their trash in the spare chambers, which could lead to mold growth and mites. Additionally, they'll have a more difficult time navigating and finding food. You mentioned that they keep dying when housed in tubes; they shouldn't have any problems if they're being kept in tubes the right way.

1) Add water, plug with cotton up to water line.

2) Move the ants in.

3) Pour a few seeds in.

4) Plug with another cotton ball.

5) Place in dark area hear heating mat/cable.

6) Leave alone for a few days to get them acclimated.

The reason I keep bringing up tubes is because they're extremely easy to keep track of and manage. If prepared correctly, they should have pretty much everything the ants need with the exception of food. Since seeds will be eaten one at a time, just leave a small pile inside the test tube. They'll eat them when they need to and you won't have to feed daily.

Not trying to put them in the tube. First one died in the test tube that I got. It's too hard to feed. In the nest, it's like the wild. Easier to feed and to watch them. Don't know why the 3 workers died. Queen is just drinking water all day yesterday. Ate the insides of half a medium cricket. Just crawling around inside nest trying to find a way out against the glass. No eggs.

If they're already languishing in that nest, the best thing to do would be to remove them ASAP and transfer to a test tube. It's never a good idea to leave them in a nest too large for the colony to handle. They'll place their trash in the spare chambers, which could lead to mold growth and mites. Additionally, they'll have a more difficult time navigating and finding food. You mentioned that they keep dying when housed in tubes; they shouldn't have any problems if they're being kept in tubes the right way.

1) Add water, plug with cotton up to water line.

2) Move the ants in.

3) Pour a few seeds in.

4) Plug with another cotton ball.

5) Place in dark area hear heating mat/cable.

6) Leave alone for a few days to get them acclimated.

The reason I keep bringing up tubes is because they're extremely easy to keep track of and manage. If prepared correctly, they should have pretty much everything the ants need with the exception of food. Since seeds will be eaten one at a time, just leave a small pile inside the test tube. They'll eat them when they need to and you won't have to feed daily.

Not trying to put them in the tube. First one died in the test tube that I got. It's too hard to feed. In the nest, it's like the wild. Easier to feed and to watch them. Don't know why the 3 workers died. Queen is just drinking water all day yesterday. Ate the insides of half a medium cricket. Just crawling around inside nest trying to find a way out against the glass. No eggs.

[Leo]

 

If they're already languishing in that nest, the best thing to do would be to remove them ASAP and transfer to a test tube. It's never a good idea to leave them in a nest too large for the colony to handle. They'll place their trash in the spare chambers, which could lead to mold growth and mites. Additionally, they'll have a more difficult time navigating and finding food. You mentioned that they keep dying when housed in tubes; they shouldn't have any problems if they're being kept in tubes the right way.

1) Add water, plug with cotton up to water line.

2) Move the ants in.

3) Pour a few seeds in.

4) Plug with another cotton ball.

5) Place in dark area hear heating mat/cable.

6) Leave alone for a few days to get them acclimated.

The reason I keep bringing up tubes is because they're extremely easy to keep track of and manage. If prepared correctly, they should have pretty much everything the ants need with the exception of food. Since seeds will be eaten one at a time, just leave a small pile inside the test tube. They'll eat them when they need to and you won't have to feed daily.

Not trying to put them in the tube. First one died in the test tube that I got. It's too hard to feed. In the nest, it's like the wild. Easier to feed and to watch them. Don't know why the 3 workers died. Queen is just drinking water all day yesterday. Ate the insides of half a medium cricket. Just crawling around inside nest trying to find a way out against the glass. No eggs.

If they're already languishing in that nest, the best thing to do would be to remove them ASAP and transfer to a test tube. It's never a good idea to leave them in a nest too large for the colony to handle. They'll place their trash in the spare chambers, which could lead to mold growth and mites. Additionally, they'll have a more difficult time navigating and finding food. You mentioned that they keep dying when housed in tubes; they shouldn't have any problems if they're being kept in tubes the right way.

1) Add water, plug with cotton up to water line.

2) Move the ants in.

3) Pour a few seeds in.

4) Plug with another cotton ball.

5) Place in dark area hear heating mat/cable.

6) Leave alone for a few days to get them acclimated.

The reason I keep bringing up tubes is because they're extremely easy to keep track of and manage. If prepared correctly, they should have pretty much everything the ants need with the exception of food. Since seeds will be eaten one at a time, just leave a small pile inside the test tube. They'll eat them when they need to and you won't have to feed daily.

Not trying to put them in the tube. First one died in the test tube that I got. It's too hard to feed. In the nest, it's like the wild. Easier to feed and to watch them. Don't know why the 3 workers died. Queen is just drinking water all day yesterday. Ate the insides of half a medium cricket. Just crawling around inside nest trying to find a way out against the glass. No eggs.

 

 

I believe it has been mentioned but once again: A nest that size is far too large for such a small colony. If you find it difficult to feed them in just a test tube, then you can try a traditional "tubs and tubes" setup, which is simply the test tube in a box as an outworld. If you are adamant in not having them in a test tube, then as someone has already mentioned, a THA mini formicarium may be a good idea (emphasis on MINI).

 

Also not to spoil the party, but if you are already having such trouble caring for Pogonomyrmex, perhaps it would be a good idea to hold off on trying to keep more challenging species such as Atta, Myrmecia, or Neoponera until you have more experience with antkeeping (not to mention having such species die would be quite a hit on the wallet).

Edited by Leo, May 6 2024 - 2:00 AM.

[Culture321]

Thanks for the advice. Lol. They are pretty expensive for Ants.

[bmb1bee]

Yeah, as Leo said a tubs and tubes setup would work. Only problem is that it'd be more difficult to heat than if just left as a test tube. The nest is almost guaranteed to fail, as they've already been losing workers. If it doesn't work, why bother continuing? It'd just lead to more ants dying. And it's likely because their only source of water is the liquid feeder you added. Inside nests like those, there is a water tower covered in mesh usually placed at the bottom of the nest. I'm willing to bet that you haven't watered it, and that the main cause of their death is dessication.

 

Once again, I am asking (or rather, recommending) for you to switch them to a standard test tube or "tubs and tubes" setup. It's really not that difficult to do.

[Culture321]

Can't switch to test tubes they're stuck inside. Used some transparent double-sided stickers to keep glass from sliding off. Gonna see what happens in a week or two. Need couple more Queens

[Leo]

If you want to save the current colony, you can put the nest in a big box, pry off the glass, then manually move them into a tubs and tubes setup or a smaller nest. Getting more queens will not end in success if you continue to neglect their basic care.

 

Alternatively, may I suggest taking a page out of an AI's book and try to learn ant keeping via supervised machine learning where you do a million attempts with a million queens with the reward system being a live colony. Then, once you've done that you can repeat it again with a founding colony. Repeat until you have a mature colony.

 

Be advised though: running through such a proccess may take a lot of time and computing power that you may not have access to.

[bmb1bee]

Yeah, what Leo said. I'd also refrain from buying more ants before doing actual research on your target species and basic requirements, which your practices suggest a lack of.