6 replies to this topic

[andSocks]

I recently got bit by the joy of ants, bought a few snap caps and started hunting. Walking around for a few days with my eyes peeled for a queen was getting me nowhere fast, I decided to take a more agressive approach. These two rocks in my yard were teeming with ants, pupa, eggs and maybe (hopefully) a queen. My hope is that I can encourage the colony to leave the rocks and move into the test-tube nests I've prepared for them (I made 4). What are my chances of success?
I have a light on the rocks hoping to warm/dry them up.

[T.C.]

You mean the rock with the ants in it is still outside? If this is the case it won't work. Test tubes aren't very naturle, especially since this colony has lived in natural stuuf all their lives, I can almost guarantee they won't move into your test tube. Outdoors their is so many other nest options.

[andSocks]

I have the rocks in an large glass tank, with a talc/alcohol barrier and there is no where else for them to find moisture. how long can I hold them like this without threatening their lives?

[T.C.]

Ahhh, ants are strong surviviors! Dry that rock out, they might come out? Keep the test tube dark though

[andSocks]

That is the plan, multiple tubes for them to check out, a few under a sheet of cork. Tomorrow I'll add another with honey water. 

[Salmon]

So, you think all the ants are inside that rock? You're sure some of them weren't in the soil below the rock?

[andSocks]

Yepp. Came home today to find the rocks were vacant, the workers had moved the brood into one of the test tubes (AWESOME), but I don't see a queen. Not going to throw them away, still want to hangout and watch the few that I have develop.