9 replies to this topic

[NZAntKeeper]

Should I move these, is there too much mold?

[NZAntKeeper]

[AntsBrazil]

I don't have too much experience but I've been reading a lot and it's recommended to provide a new test tube setup and see if they move. If they don't is because the mold is not bothering them. 

 

 

Crystals:

http://www.formicult...-for-beginners/

"Fungi can come in all different colors and shapes.  Zombie-ant fungus, insect-infecting Aspergillus flavus, common house molds, etc. can all be harmful and fatal to an ant or a colony of ants.  If you spot mold in one of your formicariums, I suggest moving the colony as soon as possible. If you happen to be having worker or queen die-offs, leave the dead specimens in a container with a lid for a couple of days and see if they sprout any fungus.  Some fungi will grow within an adult ant and end up eating it inside out.  If after a day or two in a sealed container they do not sprout anything, it is likely that a fungus isn’t the cause of death.

Some funguses are deadly, others don’t seem to bother the ants."

[Alabama Anter]

No u shouldn't move them. It is too little! I had my Aphaenogaster fulva colony in S cotton that was COVERED in mold but they did very well

[MrPurpleB]

You should try to move them if the cotton is extreme plagued by mold. Nice colony and good luck with them.

[CallMeCraven]

I agree with everyone else. Keep them in your current set up until the mold progresses to a more advanced state. When you feel like it could be to the breaking point, your can provide a new test tube set up by taping it to the end of your current one, or by putting them both in an outworld type container. The ants will move themselves when they are ready. 

[Solenoqueen]

If you see mold, move immediately for precautions.

[Mdrogun]

I had a tetramorium colony who's test tube had tons of mold in it. They were fine. Given that this colony is so young, I would wait to move them considering there is barely any mold. If you move the colony every time you see a tiny bit of mold you'll be moving them all the time.

Edited by Mdrogun, November 1 2016 - 8:36 AM.

[NZAntKeeper]

Ok thanks everyone I'll just wait and see what happens. Then if it gets worse I'll change them. Although it will be hard because they only have majors no minors.

Edited by DylanTheAntKeeper, November 1 2016 - 6:49 PM.

[Serafine]

If you're unsure offer them a new test tube (stick two together or place both in an outworld) but DO NOT FORCE THEM TO MOVE.

 

A little bit of mold is normal (the ants have to dump their poo somewhere after all) and if the mold gets life-threatening the colony will know and move on their own.

In fact the cotton in the test tube can be entirely covered in mold and still not be harmful for the ants.

Edited by Serafine, November 8 2016 - 4:04 AM.