The AntsCanada Ant Forum's

I'm trying to figure out what I can use as the best material for my formicarium. I'm trying to cast it then carve it. I'm going to add perilite to the mix of whatever I chose for it's ability to hold moisture. I am considering plaster for the ease but also some sort of grout as it is harder. Any recommendations?

Thanks,
M.

Anybody?

i heard of a guy who made temporary wooden formicariums because wood is easy to hydrate and carve

"Lightweight" cement or grout should work fine...depends on what you have access too.

I ended up going with unsanded grout with perilite added to it. It's taking a while to set up. The queen seems very unhappy in her test tube setup. She has done nothing but did at the cotton ball since I put her in there. Maybe it'll work. What do you think?

Founding formicarium seems like a good idea, offer food and see if she settles.

Most queens that wouldn't settle and pulled died not long after.

I'll put her in the new one tomorrow. It should be we'll set up by then.

M.

Well here she is in the new formicarium. She almost immediately calmed down and tore off her wings and commenced grooming.

Do you think I should still offer honey and a meal worm?

M.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PnzBYFZk2xo8e3PjkP5fIzbT-ZxDSLp9/view?usp=drivesdk

I didn't have much luck with meal worms, my camponotus wouldn't go near them. Cricket thighs are clean and easy, if the food isn't taken in the first couple days remove it and store her away...she's good for a couple months

Small drop of honey on wax paper or whatever to make clean up easier.

Good luck

Let us know how it goes

Yep!