ANTSTORE World of Ants

[methuselah]

Dear ant keepers

I learn that some ant species cannot see through red and as a result it is okay to stick a sheet of red PVC over the nest so that we can still see the nest activity without disturbing them, especially the queen.

I would like to know if this also applies to Messor barbarus?

I know that the queen is quite easily stressed and so I guess forcing her to get use to day light without any covering will not be a good idea.

Thanks for any feedback.

[donbilbo]

They can see the difference between darkness and a red shielding. I know because they allways panic when i remove the heating mat on the nest of my big colony.
But on the other side i dont know if it bothers them that much. I had a small colony of Messor barbarus in a red covered test tube and right besides that i offered them a test tube covered in tinfoil but they did not move.

[iNstinCt]

I think a sheet of red PVC has not the same effect like tinfoil for example, but it is the best compromise for you and for your ants.
You are still able to observe your ants and they dont have to suffer the full intensity of (day)light.
In my opinion a good solution for everyone