bugsy: Re: Camponotus ligniperdus diary (14. Mai 2011 09:23)

To answer an obvious question, no this is not normal. I would take all the white rock out, maybe the powder off the rocks is coating the ants. The queen probably hasn't been out the tube and thats why she hasn't been effected yet unlike the foragers. Take it all out and clean the tank, don't use any substrate until your new eggs gave hatched. Then stick with sand or loam, I don't use anything. I am able to see the ants better that way and they don't mind.

jbc: Re: Camponotus ligniperdus diary (14. Mai 2011 10:50)

Well I changed the rocks to sand like 3 days back. So lets hope that the queen will survive.

SteveUK28: Re: Camponotus ligniperdus diary (14. Mai 2011 18:56)

I have said before that ligniperda are harder than some people think.. mine died on me... so I wouldnt be suprised if they do die out.. Very sorry...

jbc: Re: Camponotus ligniperdus diary (15. Mai 2011 06:02)

Well I think mine will survive coz they both (now I have 1 worker and one queen) are pretty healthy. they moved out of the test tube under the feeding dish but they didnt take the brood with them.

bugsy: Re: Camponotus ligniperdus diary (15. Mai 2011 07:10)

Steve is correct I'm sorry to say everything you say points towards this colony not being healthy. Good luck tho, hope she makes it.

jbc: Re: Camponotus ligniperdus diary (15. Mai 2011 07:37)

Yup lets hope it. But if not I can order another colony from Antstore.

jbc: Re: Camponotus ligniperdus diary (15. Mai 2011 12:45)

If I would order Camponotus ligniperdus (again) only this time- 26-50 workers will they survive and dont die every day in a damp sand feeding area?

When will the nuptial flights begin for Camponotus in Europe?

Lewis: Re: Camponotus ligniperdus diary (15. Mai 2011 16:56)

If I were you I would leave Camponotus for now an have a different species instead.
but if you do try them again try a different set-up and make sure their nest is very warm and humid.
my nest:
26C
about 70% humidity

lewis

jbc: Re: Camponotus ligniperdus diary (15. Mai 2011 17:52)

Thanks, I have one Myrmica spec. that I caught 3 weeks ago.

My room temp is from 23 to 26 so its okay.

SteveUK28: Re: Camponotus ligniperdus diary (17. Mai 2011 09:21)

This is why i dont keep ants in sand or loam... or anything else.. there is too many risks... Ive lost colonies keeping them like this and I will not do it again.. When they are in just a ytong they do fine.. all they need is ytong and an outworld to forage...