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sianhilton: Messor barbarus (22. Mai 2008 22:25)

I had 2 colonies of Messor b arbarus each comprising of 1 queen 3-5 workers, each started off as just queens. so quite pleased with result so far.

I intend to transfer the test tube in to basin of sand / loam mixture?

I have 3 questions.

(1) How deep to make the sand / loam substrate?
(2) What is the best way in keeping basin part damp (Brood) and part dry for seed storage)
(3) When I put the test tube initially in the basin shall I wrap it up in foil to make it not so bright?

Any other tips as I have already had one failure with this species i.e lost the queen but the workers and brood survived for some reason?

Regards

JimmyVe: (23. Mai 2008 15:37)

Nice to hear the are doing a good job (your queens, and you off course :) )

1) What do you mean by how deep ? How big the farm must be ?
2) If you have a sand/loam nest it is best to use some granulate underneath it (like the setup you make for Lasius niger , check care sheet from miszt at the beginner section) that way the sand will suck up the water from underneath and the top section stays dry. Try it out a few weeks before you put the ants in it so you see how much water the farm needs in a week.
3) It is best to cover up the tube if you put it in the basin.

Good luck. :)