9 replies to this topic

[cooIboyJ]

I have a small colony of brachymyrmex patagonicus (I don't know if you can call a queen with pupae about to enclose a colony) and I want to know how many workers I need before I open up the test tube and set in the outworld container. (The worker size is 2-3 millimeters).

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

I give my colonies a outworld when it is impossible to feed them in their test tube.

[cooIboyJ]

Does that mean you cannot feed them without an escapee?

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

I would say until its hard to feed them. Like when they run at the entrance when you open it.

[IdioticMouse26]

depends on the spieces. more agressive and fast or big ones would need to be given an outworld earlier. I think in my opinion, if more than half the test tube is full u should give outworld

[ANTdrew]

For tiny ants like this, make sure you don’t just pull out the cotton and put them in the outworld. Make a smaller access hole by inserting a straw through the cotton, or if your tubes have plastic caps, you can poke a tiny hole in a cap for them to access the outworld.

[The_Gaming-gate]

So far, I just do it whenever the ants hatch their first few workers and are ready for feedings (I do not enjoy being stung.)

For a stingless and small species, you are probably better off waiting for the second or third generation when the colony may start escaping when you attempt to feed them.

[RushmoreAnts]

For tiny ants like this, make sure you don’t just pull out the cotton and put them in the outworld. Make a smaller access hole by inserting a straw through the cotton, or if your tubes have plastic caps, you can poke a tiny hole in a cap for them to access the outworld.

I get some cork boards and cut out a piece to fit the test tube entrance, and cut a small hole in the bottom. I find it's a little more stable than trying to shove a tube into the test tube with the cotton, and is very similar to the cap option, and a little more natural feeling.

[cooIboyJ]

I don’t have any cork or any straws but I do have some leftover airline tubing from my aquarium sponge filter and that is just about the perfect size for Brachymyrmex workers to go in and out

[ANTdrew]

The little coffee straws at Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts are free and a perfect size. Your tubing will work fine as well.