First test tube set up - Mold - Help
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2016 11:43 am
I have just started Ant keeping this year. I have caught 3 queens, all completely separate, 2 have passed due to what I believe was dehydration or stress, both didn't lay eggs (lack of a good test tube set-up and my ignorance). The 3rd however was doing very well until 2 days ago, i spotted mold on the cotton blocking the water storage. It isn't bad, yet, only 3 little spore looking things, she doesn't seem to even care about them, still drinks from the moldy cotton... She is coming up on 2 weeks since I caught her, so this mold grew pretty quickly. Also, she laid eggs 2 days after I caught her, which I feel was quick as well, looks like upwards of 30, almost like sugar grains. Been keeping her in my sock drawer at roughly 73-76 degrees (AC home). Yesterday I connected a new test tube with water and taped the entrances of both tubes together, made sure to leave a small crack for air in the tape. I'm very worried about this mold. I have read online many queens raise the full brood despite mold on the cotton. My queen is so young though so are her eggs, and her being my first successful one to make it this far is very heart wrenching. I don't want to stress her out too much. The test tube set-up isn't the best. The tubes I have, have very small entrance holes (more like a bottle) and it makes the cotton squish, so the cotton holding the water reservoir in the back is actually too loose, I think this was my vital error. So other then venting to this community, which I share a common love with... Does anyone have any further suggestions? I will upload pics or link pics if desired. I have not identified her. I believe she is either some type of Camponotus or Formica. I live in South Carolina, USA, within a couple miles of the beach. Thank you all so much for your time and help. #AntLove
Skip to 1:20 in this video to see the eggs. Sorry for the quality of pics and video, my phone has trouble focusing.
https://www.facebook.com/ZachMills.Kris ... 4471827639
Due note the pics and video are at my 5 day mark. She is now at about 11 days.
Skip to 1:20 in this video to see the eggs. Sorry for the quality of pics and video, my phone has trouble focusing.
https://www.facebook.com/ZachMills.Kris ... 4471827639
Due note the pics and video are at my 5 day mark. She is now at about 11 days.