Placing Queen Ants into Test Tube Setups (Tutorial PART 2)

Summary

This video tutorial guides viewers through the process of test-tubing queen ants, specifically Camponotus and Formica species. The host emphasizes the importance of cleanliness to prevent mold and germs, demonstrates using bottled water and cotton for humidity regulation, and shows how to create a comfortable environment for the queens to lay eggs. The video also highlights the unique behavior of Camponotus queens as 'cotton pullers' and offers tips for a successful test tube setup. The host's enthusiasm for ant care and the promise of regular updates will appeal to ant enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Takeaways

• 🧼 Cleanliness is crucial when handling queen ants, as mold spores and germs can disrupt the test tube setup.
• 💧 Bottled water is preferred for the test tube setup, but clean tap water can also be used.
• 🌡️ The test tube setup allows ants to hydro-regulate, choosing between humid and dry spots, which is essential for their comfort.
• 🌿 A cotton ball is used to moisten the test tube, but it should be pushed down quickly to avoid air bubbles.
• 🐜 The queen ant is placed in the test tube with a moistened cotton surface, providing a suitable environment for laying eggs.
• 🌑 The queen ant should be kept in the dark to ensure a peaceful environment and minimal disturbance.
• 🌳 Camponotus queens are known to pull cotton, so a thicker cotton layer is recommended to prevent escape.
• 📅 The queen ant is expected to lay her first set of eggs within one to three days of being placed in the test tube.
• 👩‍🔬 Test tubes are a simple and effective way to house queen ants as they raise their nanitics (newly hatched ants).
• 🌐 The video content is regularly updated every Saturday at 8 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, providing ongoing updates on ant colonies.

Q & A

What are the two types of queen ants being tested in the video?

The two types of queen ants being tested are Camponotus and Formica.

What is the purpose of the AC Test Tubes mentioned in the script?

The AC Test Tubes are designed for housing queen ants as they are raising their nanitics.

Why is it important to have clean hands before starting the test tube process?

Clean hands are essential to prevent the introduction of mold spores or germs that could disrupt the test tube setup.

What is the recommended water source for the test tube setup?

Bottled water is recommended, but clean tap water can be used if it is free from contaminants.

How much water should be added to the test tube during the setup?

The water should be added up to the notch in the test tube.

Why is it important to push the cotton into the test tube quickly?

Pushing the cotton quickly helps to minimize the formation of air bubbles, which can be problematic.

What is the purpose of the cotton in the test tube setup?

The cotton helps to maintain moisture levels and provides a surface for the ants to regulate their humidity preferences.

How long should a queen ant be expected to stay in the test tube?

A queen ant should stay in the test tube for about a month.

What is the expected behavior of the Camponotus queens in relation to the cotton?

Camponotus queens are known to be cotton pullers, so it is normal for them to interact with the cotton in the test tube.

Why is it necessary to keep the test tube in the dark?

Keeping the test tube in the dark helps to provide a peaceful environment for the queen ant, minimizing disturbances.

What is the significance of the queen ants laying their first set of eggs within one to three days?

The quick laying of eggs indicates that the queen ant has adapted well to the test tube environment and is ready to start her colony.

Outlines

00:00

🐜 Testing Queen Ants in AC Test Tubes

The video script begins with the host introducing the process of testing queen ants in AC Test Tubes. The focus is on preparing the environment by ensuring clean hands and tools to avoid mold and germs. The host demonstrates how to fill the test tubes with water, add cotton, and moisten it to create a suitable environment for the queen ants. The first queen to be tested is a Formica Queen, and the host emphasizes the importance of using clean water and cotton. The queen is placed in the test tube, and a dry cotton ball is added to complete the setup. The ants' ability to hydro-regulate is highlighted, allowing them to choose between humid and dry spots. The video also covers the testing of a Camponotus Queen, noting that they are known to pull cotton, which is a normal behavior.

Keywords

💡Test tube

In the context of the video, 'test tube' refers to a method used for housing queen ants during the initial stages of colony establishment. It is a simplified and controlled environment that allows the queen to lay eggs and start a new colony. The script mentions using 'AC Test Tubes' specifically designed for this purpose, demonstrating the importance of a suitable environment for the queen ants to thrive.

💡Queen ants

Queen ants are the reproductive females in an ant colony, responsible for laying eggs and starting new colonies. The script focuses on the process of 'test tubing' queen ants, which involves placing them in a controlled environment to encourage egg-laying. The video mentions two types of queen ants, Camponotus and Formica, indicating the diversity within the ant kingdom.

💡Nanitics

The term 'nanitics' is likely a misspelling or a colloquial term for 'nymphs' in the script, which are immature ants that will eventually develop into adult ants. The video discusses the queen ants raising their nymphs, which is an essential part of the colony's growth and development.

💡Mold spores

Mold spores are microscopic particles that can cause mold growth, which can be detrimental to the health of the queen ants and their offspring. The script emphasizes the importance of clean hands and instruments to prevent the introduction of mold spores into the test tube environment, highlighting the need for a sterile setup.

💡Bottled water

Bottled water is mentioned as a preferred choice for filling the test tubes due to its purity and lack of contaminants. The script suggests that using bottled water can help maintain a clean environment for the queen ants, although tap water could also be used if it is clean.

💡Cotton

Cotton is used in the test tube setup as a means to regulate humidity and provide a comfortable environment for the queen ants. The script describes using clean cotton to moisten the test tube and create a suitable habitat. The cotton also serves as a barrier to prevent the ants from escaping.

💡Hydro-regulate

Hydro-regulation refers to the ability of ants to control their own water content and humidity levels within their environment. The script explains that the test tube setup allows ants to hydro-regulate by choosing between more humid and drier spots, which is crucial for their survival and the health of their offspring.

💡Claustral chamber

A claustral chamber is a secluded space where a queen ant will lay her eggs and raise her first brood without the presence of worker ants. The script mentions that the queen will eventually recognize the test tube as a suitable claustral chamber, indicating the importance of a secure and private environment for the queen to begin her colony.

💡Camponotus

Camponotus is a genus of ants known for being 'cotton pullers,' as mentioned in the script. This behavior involves the ants pulling on the cotton in their environment, which is a characteristic specific to this genus. Understanding this behavior is important for setting up the test tube correctly to prevent the queen from escaping.

💡Formica

Formica is another genus of ants that the script discusses. The video describes the Formica queen ants as being active and attractive, and the process of test tubing them is similar to that of Camponotus, although with slight variations in behavior and setup.

💡Ant Love Forever

Ant Love Forever appears to be a slogan or catchphrase used in the video, possibly indicating the passion and dedication of the video creator towards ants. It encapsulates the enthusiasm and affection for ants, which is a central theme of the video.

Highlights

Introduction to testing queen ants in AC Test Tubes designed for housing and raising nanitics.

Importance of clean hands and instruments to prevent mold and germs in the test tube setup.

Use of bottled water for cleanliness, with tap water as an alternative if clean.

Demonstration of pouring water into the test tube up to a specific notch.

Technique of using clean cotton to moisten the test tube without creating air bubbles.

Explanation of ants' ability to hydro-regulate in the test tube setup.

Placement of the Formica Queen into the prepared test tube.

Use of a dry cotton ball to complete the setup for the queen.

Anticipated timeline for the queen to lay eggs within one to three days.

Instructions for keeping the queen in darkness to ensure a peaceful environment.

Process of test tubing a Camponotus Queen with specific attention to water and cotton placement.

Note on Camponotus queens being known cotton pullers and the need for a thicker cotton filter.

Demonstration of test tubing a Camponotus Queen with a focus on preventing escape.

Mention of limited test tubes and the need to acquire more for additional queens.

Warning about potential fighting among queens when workers arrive.

Completion of test tubing two queen ants with a summary of the process.

Upcoming schedule for video uploads and a return to regular updates on ant colonies.

Encouragement and congratulations to viewers who have caught queen ants.

Closing with a message of 'Ant Love Forever' and an invitation to subscribe and engage with the content.

Transcripts

All right, AC Family, now we're here to test tube the queens, so I've got two test tubes here.

So I'm just going to be test to being one Camponotus queen,

and one Formica Queen, and as you saw previously these are our new AC Test Tubes which are designed for housing your queen ants as they're raising their nanitics.

So of course before you begin you've got to have clean hands. You don't want any mold spores there.

Any germs that could foul up the test tube setup earlier than usual,

so it's good to work with clean hands and clean instruments.

All right, so let's first test Tube our Formica Queen here now. I love Formica Queen ants they are awesome. Love them so much.

They're so active and they're gorgeous. Now if you're paranoid like me you use bottled water.

But I suppose you could use tap water if it's clean.

So what I'm going to do is I'm going to pour some of this water into the test tube at about that notch there see

Then from here. We're just going to grab some cotton, clean cotton.

This cotton ball is quite large, so I'm going to break it in half and then I'm just going to push it downwards here.

That and with this pokey, this Q-Tip. I'm just going to push it down really quickly and the reason why you want to do it quickly is because you don't want air bubbles.

It's just kind of annoying. So here goes, One, Two, Three, Push. There you go and then you keep pushing in so that this surface here gets moist.

There you go, like so.

Alright now the beauty of the test tube setup is that the ants are able to hydro-regulate which means they can choose whether they want the more humid spot or the dry spot,

Which is why the test tube setup really works they can just move the brood and themselves depending on what they want.

So now I'm going to place the queen inside.

Go, go, go don't be afraid. Yes, there we go and she's in. Then we pop a dry cotton ball here and she's ready. See that you see. It's quite simple, and now she'll remain in here for the next month.

She should lay her first set of eggs within one to three days. She'll eventually learned that this is a good claustral chamber for her now. I'll also put her in the dark,

So she'll be in peace, and I won't disturb her as much as possible.

Now let's try test tubing one of these Camponotus Queens.

I'm going to add my water.

Alright, we'll pass that with one. That's okay.

I'm going to put my half cotton ball in there, and then push swiftly.

There we go.

Now the thing about Camponotus queens is they tend to be cotton filters so don't be concerned if for the first few days your camponotus queen that you've caught has started to pull on the cotton. This is normal.

They're notorious cotton pullers for some reason.

All right, so we have our queen ants here. Look at those beauties. Wow. Okay, so now it's time to test you one of them.

I am short on test tubes, so I'll have to get more for the rest of these queens.

But I will test tube these queens singly because though they look quite peaceful now.

They will usually fight later on when the workers arrive.

Okay, so let's test tube this queen right here.

Yes, All right, quite easy right. Now all I got to do is pop some cotton here.

Now this one I want to make slightly thicker because they are such cotton pullers,

and we don't want them pulling the cotton and escaping.

And there you go! We've got two queens properly test tubed. Thank you guys so much for watching this video.

It really means a lot to me be sure to Subscribe, Like, Comment, and Share if you like this video as we upload every Saturday at 8 a.m Eastern Standard Time,

and next week I should be back in Manila so we can continue with our regular updates on our favorite ant colonies.

For those of you who are looking for queen ants this year, best of luck, and if you did catch your queen ants I'm super proud of you guys.

It's Ant Love Forever.