Test Tube Width

[Ostrichking371]

I am housing what I think is a carpenter ant queen and her pupa and eggs in a test tube. She can turn around, but I am worried it is too skinny. She is a pretty large queen and the test tube is 1/2 inch (12.7mm). Specifically, it was this test tube: https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Kids-Crafts-Activities/Science-Educational/Glass-Test-Tubes/p/27735 . The test tubes on AntsCanada are 17mm which is much larger than mine. It the width of the tube something I most worry about?

[SolenopsisKeeper]

I am housing what I think is a carpenter ant queen and her pupa and eggs in a test tube. She can turn around, but I am worried it is too skinny. She is a pretty large queen and the test tube is 1/2 inch (12.7mm). Specifically, it was this test tube: https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Kids-Crafts-Activities/Science-Educational/Glass-Test-Tubes/p/27735 . The test tubes on AntsCanada are 17mm which is much larger than mine. It the width of the tube something I most worry about?

If she can turn around, she will be fine as Camponotus typically construct small wood chambers in the wild to conserve energy.

[Ostrichking371]

When the colony matures, will I need a heat pad for them. If so, what type?

[SolenopsisKeeper]

When the colony matures, will I need a heat pad for them. If so, what type?

You will not need a heat pad, it just makes the colony grow a bit faster. If you do want a heat source, take a look at heat cords.

[Ostrichking371]

Where do I put the heat cord?

Also, in this stage of the queen (some eggs and pupa) is it okay to gently check on her daily, or is it important to check less often?

[SolenopsisKeeper]

Where do I put the heat cord?

Also, in this stage of the queen (some eggs and pupa) is it okay to gently check on her daily, or is it important to check less often?

The cord should touch only the back of the water reservoir

Pupae are typically more delicious snacks for queens, so I advise check less often.

[Ostrichking371]

Yeah, I used to check a lot (many times a day because I’m impatient), and two of my three pupa and many eggs are gone, what do I do? If I wait and do not check, will she lay more eggs, or is the damage already done?

[SolenopsisKeeper]

Yeah, I used to check a lot (many times a day because I’m impatient), and two of my three pupa and many eggs are gone, what do I do? If I wait and do not check, will she lay more eggs, or is the damage already done?

“If there is still a queen, there is hope”-SolenopsisKeeper, 2021 mindset

There is a lot of hope, as she still has a pupae. If she keeps the pupae, she will survive if not stressed even more, maybe check in with her once a week or every 6 days.

[Ostrichking371]

She still does have a pupa, but I checked yesterday (because I had to move her) and she had one less then the day before. Assuming the pattern continues, she won’t have any pupa by tomorrow (I won’t check though). It seems she is eating them the day after you check, so even if I stop checking, she might eat the last pupa.


If she does eat that pupa, is there still hope for the colony?

Sorry for the questions she is just one of my first queens and I have never had an ant colony!

[SolenopsisKeeper]

She still does have a pupa, but I checked yesterday (because I had to move her) and she had one less then the day before. Assuming the pattern continues, she won’t have any pupa by tomorrow (I won’t check though). It seems she is eating them the day after you check, so even if I stop checking, she might eat the last pupa.


If she does eat that pupa, is there still hope for the colony?

Sorry for the questions she is just one of my first queens and I have never had an ant colony!

Yes, there is a numerous things that can be done if it disappears, but it would be easier if It didn’t.