2 replies to this topic

[Canadant]

My Camponotus test tube colony is generally relaxed when viewed. That's not to say there isn't small issues but I'll get to that below. However, my Formica queen and her two new nanitics get really flustered when I view them. When I pull them out off their dark shirt (test tube) they start racing around and grabbing eggs etc. I never view them for more than 30 seconds. How are your Formica ants generally?

 

Also, how do you go about feeding your test tube colonies? Even now that my Camponotus colony is reaching 10-15 workers it's becoming difficult not allowing them to escape. I'm not even sure how to approach the Formica.

 

 

Advice or just general thoughts/discussion and comments?

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Canadant

[Volant]

My Formica queen is just like that. When she sees light she goes into panic mode. As for feeding your Camponotus, if it's near impossible to feed them in the test tube, I would recommend getting/making a outworld. That way they should be able to get food on their own.

[Pleming]

I have a few Camponotus species and they are all still in there founding formicarium. It can be a little bit stressful when I feed them because I have to open the founding chamber to do so.  Sometimes they freak out and I have to wait until they calm down and others times they don't care. I keep a snap-cap container with me when I feed them in just case one gets out which has happened a few times. I just grab her put her in the fridge for 15min then drop her back in. 

 

I would suggest getting an attachment to add to the test-tube or placing/attaching a small out-world. It can be as easy as using tuberware with fluon/olive oil as a barrier.