Camponotus Formicarium

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FolloweroftheWay
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Aug 20, 2017 4:07 pm
Location: Mississippi

Camponotus Formicarium

Post: # 34847Post FolloweroftheWay
Tue Apr 03, 2018 11:18 pm

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.
Solenopsis Richteri x 2
Lasius Neoniger x 2
Camponotus spp. x1
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Monomorium pharaonis

FolloweroftheWay
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Aug 20, 2017 4:07 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Camponotus Formicarium

Post: # 34957Post FolloweroftheWay
Mon Apr 09, 2018 4:59 pm

Anybody?
Solenopsis Richteri x 2
Lasius Neoniger x 2
Camponotus spp. x1
Wish List:

Monomorium pharaonis

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antnest8
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Location: Detroit, MI

Re: Camponotus Formicarium

Post: # 34958Post antnest8
Mon Apr 09, 2018 5:20 pm

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

Re: Camponotus Formicarium

Post: # 34965Post Rhetorik
Mon Apr 09, 2018 6:29 pm

"Lightweight" cement or grout should work fine...depends on what you have access too.
Yaaas my queen
-Me

FolloweroftheWay
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Aug 20, 2017 4:07 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Camponotus Formicarium

Post: # 34966Post FolloweroftheWay
Mon Apr 09, 2018 6:35 pm

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?
Solenopsis Richteri x 2
Lasius Neoniger x 2
Camponotus spp. x1
Wish List:

Monomorium pharaonis

Rhetorik
Posts: 51
Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2017 12:51 pm
Location: Ontario

Re: Camponotus Formicarium

Post: # 34971Post Rhetorik
Mon Apr 09, 2018 7:22 pm

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.
Yaaas my queen
-Me

FolloweroftheWay
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Aug 20, 2017 4:07 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Camponotus Formicarium

Post: # 34972Post FolloweroftheWay
Mon Apr 09, 2018 7:40 pm

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

M.
Solenopsis Richteri x 2
Lasius Neoniger x 2
Camponotus spp. x1
Wish List:

Monomorium pharaonis

FolloweroftheWay
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Aug 20, 2017 4:07 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Camponotus Formicarium

Post: # 34979Post FolloweroftheWay
Tue Apr 10, 2018 10:31 am

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
Solenopsis Richteri x 2
Lasius Neoniger x 2
Camponotus spp. x1
Wish List:

Monomorium pharaonis

Rhetorik
Posts: 51
Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2017 12:51 pm
Location: Ontario

Re: Camponotus Formicarium

Post: # 34981Post Rhetorik
Tue Apr 10, 2018 2:04 pm

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
Yaaas my queen
-Me

FolloweroftheWay
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Aug 20, 2017 4:07 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Camponotus Formicarium

Post: # 34986Post FolloweroftheWay
Tue Apr 10, 2018 3:07 pm

Yep!
Solenopsis Richteri x 2
Lasius Neoniger x 2
Camponotus spp. x1
Wish List:

Monomorium pharaonis

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