4 replies to this topic

[Mettcollsuss]

I currently have a 25-30 worker Tetramorium sp. E colony with an AntsRussia Modular Formicarium and Outworld waiting for them. The nest dimensions are 4.33" x 4.33" x 1.06". The Outworld dimensions are the same except for height, but Tetramorium can't climb smooth surfaces, so that doesn't count. Anyway, I was wondering what the minimum size that the colony should be before I move them in is. I'm kinda impatient to move them in, but I don't want to force the colony to move before they're ready. Thanks in advance!

Edited by Mettcollsuss, October 22 2017 - 3:52 AM.

[MegaMyrmex]

About 20 or 30, but if the colony is in its first year or if there's still an ample amount of space left in the test tube, I would say to keep them I'm there during hibermation since the humidity level is more controlled.

[Mettcollsuss]

About 20 or 30, but if the colony is in its first year or if there's still an ample amount of space left in the test tube, I would say to keep them I'm there during hibermation since the humidity level is more controlled.

Thanks! I knew about the don't move during first year thing, but I wasn't sure about the number. I was originally going to put them in an AC hybrid nest, and I was told to wait till they were at 100 workers, but I gave that to a different colony. This one is about the same size in dimensions, but there's less actual nesting space, as the walls are thicker, and the depth isn't the whole inch, the deepest part is about 1/2 inch. The bottom part is taken up by hydration chambers.

Edited by Mettcollsuss, October 22 2017 - 9:53 AM.

[MegaMyrmex]

Cool! Nonetheless, if this is the colony's first hibernation I would strongly recommend hybernating them in the test tube or a fresh test tube. Easier humidity control and a smaller chamber will give them a better place to huddle together during the winter. My queen only has about 7 or so workers, so you have quite a large amount right there!

[Mettcollsuss]

My queen only has about 7 or so workers, so you have quite a large amount right there!

That's because I brood boosted her.