4 replies to this topic

[BMM]

Does anyone have any tips for moving Temnothorax curvispinosus? I have a colony whose test tube is extremely moldy, but despite all my efforts they refuse to move. Now it's just outright frustrating, because I had them taped up to another test tube and lack of airflow created enough of a temperature difference to cause their current test tube to leak. I think most of them are still alive, but if that didn't get them to move then I don't know what will. I know the ants know best, but one of my other colonies died off quite suddenly due to mold and I'm reluctant to see it happen again.

[AntsAreUs]

You can always just shake them in. Although I would say it's better to shake them into another container and let them move into the new tube themselves to help prevent mold.

[CoolColJ]

Try a bit of sunlight, while the other side is in the shade. Has worked me when other methods failed.

[BMM]

That's one of the methods I attempted and it didn't seem to phase them. Of all of the species I've had, these gals are easily the least sensitive. I siphoned out all the water and let them dry. It looks like there weren't any casualties luckily. I think I'm going to work on a mini formicarium for them and see if the new space gets them out.

[YsTheAnt]

Try to blow air onto them, breath especially. It gets them "triggered" and can prompt a move of the nest.