5 replies to this topic

[Ender Ants]

I have an L. Niger colony with a about 15 workers, and they are in a test tube set-up. I have a formicarium, Mini Hearth, from TarHeelAnts. So my question is, how can I move the entire colony, to the formicarium?

[Serafine]

Put the tube into the outworld part and wait. Lasius niger has a reputation for being stubborn so in the worst case that may take some weeks. You can encourage them by heating the nest but they will probably still wait until they have a few more workers.

Edited by Serafine, April 17 2017 - 4:32 PM.

[Works4TheGood]

I have many colonies with hundreds of workers that are still in test tubes and doing increadibly well. If I were you, I would certainly give them the option of moving into your new setup, but I would let them chose the timing, and not worry too much about it.

That's my 2 cents. Best of luck!

[Ender Ants]

@Serafine, sorry, I forgot to mention that the test tube does not fit in the formicarium/outworld, so I have to connect to the hole on the outside! 

[Serafine]

You can do that, but don't force them to move. The ants will most likely stay inside the tube for a few weeks longer but they may use the miniheart's outworld for foraging.

[Ender Ants]

You can do that, but don't force them to move. The ants will most likely stay inside the tube for a few weeks longer but they may use the miniheart's outworld for foraging.

 

@Serafine yeah, I connected the test tube, and they have been in there for the past few days, but are foraging. Once they get to a larger number, will they then abandon their test tube?