ANTSTORE World of Ants

[sithmaster676]

yeah what about lasius niger as myrmica rubra have stinging barb so more ants are needed without ?
Sithmaster676

[Sced]

They probably won't attack, but instead flee. When the colony is strong, the wokers are more agressive so you will have to wait.

[JimmyVe]

in deed. wait until your colony is bigger and then try it with a little bug. But stay with them if something goes wrong you can help them.

[sithmaster676]

ok then i wasn't planning on doing it anytime soon
im trying to think of other thing to feed my colony at the moment all they seem to get is honey, apple and some flies is there any suggestions that lasius niger seem to enjoy
Sithmaster676

[Sced]

Mine like spiders, there pretty easy to find if you look in the right places.

[JimmyVe]

or mosquitos

[sithmaster676]

ok great thanks for the help
i was wondering if anyone has any advice about formica fusca as i might be considering getting a colony im not sure yet
Sithmaster676

[JimmyVe]

i keep them myself. (i already replayed on this question in an other part of the forum. )

I keep them in an Y-tong nest at room (outside) temperature, humidity about 50%.

[sithmaster676]

i have answered that reply on the other part of the forum
Sithmaster676

[sam2000]

Hi guys,

Got a question with regards to my lasius niger colony who are just starting out (Queen and about 15 workers). My ants are still in the test tube that they came in and are happy to forage for food and explore the arena and nest display, I have been placing food in the nest display to try and encourage them up there to dig a nest They happily go into the nest to collect food etc but they still haven’t left the test tube to dig a nest.

I placed the test tube so it is angled upright, the idea being that the cotton wool would dry out quicker and they would have to find somewhere else to nest. Anyway do you think this is a good idea? I am just a bit worried that things might be getting a bit dry in there! Will the ants definitely move when the cotton wool dries out, or do you think I should place the test tube flat on the floor of the arena so that the cotton wool soaks up the water from the bottom of the test tube?

Any help much appreciated, Sam

[sithmaster676]

well as long as you have another source of water in the nest or arena then they should be fine
but remember to be patient it doesn't matter if they don't move out as lasius niger prefer not to move and most likely wont unless the colony gets to big for the tube or it runs out of water.
my ants have been inside there test tube since last November and nothing much has changed except for he pile of larva i now have hope this has helped
and i have a small question of my own how long does it take for a lasius niger larva to cocoon?
Sithmaster676

[deadmeat30]

If it starts getting to dry, and there more moister in the 'nest area' then they'll move out no problem.

Alan

[sam2000]

Nice one guys, cheers

[deadmeat30]

thats ok, where all here to help

[JimmyVe]

@ Sam2000: They will move out when they need to.

@ Sith: depends on the weather and food but normally 1-2 weeks.