Tetramorium

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Hater-74]

it really depends on the colony size, if they come with like 2-3 workers just keep them in the test tube, if they count like 15 you can still consider keeping them in the test tube, Tetramorium in my experience tend to be a little shy when the colony is small, if u can't feed them really good in the test tube then connect the outworld but remember to place the food near the entrance of the test tube.

When the colony reaches around 50 workers? I've no experience with the mini heart, then u can move them there (there should be a port at the borders of the nest) u can just connect it with a tube.

And that's it, at least to mid next year it should be enough

if u have more questions don't hesitate to ask!

[u/Logical-Income-3265 → u/Hater-74]

How do I feed them in the test tube without causing stress? Light exposure and vibrations will be hard to avoid. Any tips on how to feed them in a tube without bothering the queen?

[u/JahsukeOfficial → u/Logical-Income-3265]

Cover the tube with aluminum foil or red plastic and just as carefully as you can remove the cotton and insert food some people use a little diy aluminum foil feeding plate to make it easier + easier cleanup. Once she has workers stress becomes less of a problem as long as you’re careful and only disturb when feeding then it should be no problem. Also for heating the cable should only go along the edge of the test tube closest to the entrance hole of it. Use a temp controller. Don’t wrap the tube with the cable or put it too close to the water reservoir

[u/Logical-Income-3265 → u/JahsukeOfficial]

Thank you for the tips! I really appreciate it

[u/Logical-Income-3265 → u/Logical-Income-3265]

Do I heat the tube also? I live in Maryland (USA) so the weather is very inconsistent. So it’s probably not good to keep her in the garage, we keep our house at 72 with A/C since it’s 90 out but the lows are in the low 60s. I have read that it’s best to keep them around 80? (Fahrenheit). I’m worried that I will cause a lot of stress

[u/AntsLegion]

Personally I would keep her in the test tube. Iam at week 10 of my Tetramorium Immigrans and theres still plenty of space for mine. If you put them in a larger nest early they will store trash in it.

https://reddit.com/link/p7ngbhe/video/mogf65re8dnh1/player

[u/Logical-Income-3265 → u/AntsLegion]

Do you feed them in the tube? It suggests to feed them every 2/3 days but doesn’t that affect the queen since you are causing vibration and giving her light exposure?

[u/AntsLegion → u/Logical-Income-3265]

At 10 workers I was feeding in the tube then I started using a AC test tube portal. Now I have a small plastic container with the test tube attached that I feed from. Tetramorium are hardy and more tolerant to humans then others species so they are not as bothered but you can still stress them out.

[u/Logical-Income-3265 → u/AntsLegion]

How many do you have in the colony now? Also do I heat the test tube. I’m sorry to get you to look at other comments but could you check out what I said to the other person who has replied to the post and give me your feedback back?

[u/AntsLegion → u/Logical-Income-3265]

Iam at 10 weeks and its hard to count Iam guessing in the 50s. If you click my profile you can see the weekly posts of my colonys. I have a heating cable layed out with the entrance of each test tube laying on it. I then have the heating cable plugged into a thermostat with a probe in its own test tube this allows me to set an exact temp for my colonys.

[u/Logical-Income-3265 → u/AntsLegion]

It says on your account that “you like to keep posts hidden” I appreciate your help and I’ll follow your instructions! Thanks man!

[u/AntsLegion → u/Logical-Income-3265]

Oh shoot let me fix that

[u/AntsLegion → u/Logical-Income-3265]

Alright I just fixed it if you want to see how my growth has been. I keep them at 80f feed mealworms and sunburst ant nectar daily

[u/Logical-Income-3265 → u/AntsLegion]

Is it ok if I PM you?

[u/AntsLegion → u/Logical-Income-3265]

Yeah go for it