How To House Queen Ants in Vials | Ant Keeping 101

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  • Опубліковано 2 сер 2020
  • Learn how to create simple DIY claustral founding chambers in this new Ant Keeping 101 tutorial! These vials are great to use as homes for fully-claustral queen ants, and can be an excellent alternative to test tubes.
    Materials List
    Snap-Cap Vials: amzn.to/2DuCzMH
    Hydrocal: amzn.to/2ME2Exd
    Hydrostone: plaster.com/product/usg-hydro...
    Pigments (Only use natural, organic pigments): www.earthpigments.com/natural...
    Flexible Mixing Bowl: amzn.to/2XmaqP1
    Pipettes: amzn.to/3gnVGXq
    Funnel: amzn.to/3gmKSZJ
    Substrate: tarheelants.com/collections/a...
    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase products from the provided links, Amazon may give us a percentage of your purchase, at no extra cost to you. We put those funds back into creating new content!
    Directed by Miles Maxcer
    Produced by Ben Schwartz
    Additional film assistance by Thomas Stanton
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 131

  • @EnderAnts
    @EnderAnts 4 роки тому +41

    that shot of maple syrup looks commercial worthy aha! This is a very neat setup, will definitely try this out one day.

  • @isaacvance5090
    @isaacvance5090 4 роки тому +7

    When I searched ant keeping tutorials this didn’t pop up, I got no clue why bc this is exactly what I’m looking for

  • @Firak
    @Firak 4 роки тому +45

    Anyone else feel like Miles was hungry when he made this?

    • @dragonsants7023
      @dragonsants7023 4 роки тому +3

      Sticky stacks of golden syrupy deliciousness! -Donkey-

    • @aquaantz5579
      @aquaantz5579 4 роки тому +3

      Maple syrup

    • @chrismoore6359
      @chrismoore6359 4 роки тому +1

      I appreciated the gratuitous syrup shot!

  • @reidmock2165
    @reidmock2165 4 роки тому +10

    This channel is so high-quality

  • @lindseywadsworth5348
    @lindseywadsworth5348 4 роки тому +13

    Comic sans and papyrus!?! Dreams do come true.
    Also, I just want to clarify that I’m looking for the consistency of balsamic vinaigrette. Right?

  • @nino6194
    @nino6194 4 роки тому +10

    Can’t wait until you guys hit a million

  • @antwit9343
    @antwit9343 4 роки тому +7

    It’s 12 am for me here, but a video from your channel is always something I look forward to. Keep up the great work!

  • @AntLab
    @AntLab 4 роки тому +2

    This is soooo great! Nice job and cool filming location!

  • @natureexplorer2497
    @natureexplorer2497 4 роки тому +17

    Great video Miles. It would be interesting to try this. Also, are you going to film any ant exploring videos soon? Because those are my favorite ones.

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  4 роки тому +8

      Thanks! We are on site filming for The Ant Explorer right now!

  • @mcallahk
    @mcallahk 4 роки тому +1

    Those vials look super cool, I'd love to give them a shot one day.

  • @robertbakerii5469
    @robertbakerii5469 4 роки тому +1

    I had no idea about this method. I like this better than test tubes. Thanks and great video!

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  4 роки тому +1

      We do too! Down with the test tubes!

  • @IceCubeNETWORK873
    @IceCubeNETWORK873 4 роки тому

    Yay new Video! I’ve been Waiting!!!

  • @chelseagoldkamp8888
    @chelseagoldkamp8888 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks I really learned a lot and I think this will help my ant farm grow.

  • @NovoAnts
    @NovoAnts 4 роки тому

    Nice video. I like the idea of the jars. 😃👍🏼

  • @kjiggy059
    @kjiggy059 4 роки тому

    Great video! Thanks

  • @noahcallins4595
    @noahcallins4595 4 роки тому

    Great video miles. Never thought of this

  • @ApolloGuys
    @ApolloGuys 3 роки тому

    "Maple Syrup?" This channel is underrated i don't understand why it has only this amount of subs.

  • @pokecards1942
    @pokecards1942 2 роки тому

    Great job

  • @EricHockridge
    @EricHockridge 2 роки тому

    digging the workshop man

  • @memedumpster1402
    @memedumpster1402 4 роки тому +1

    You guys make such good content. I see 50k in no time :)

  • @B_rad0806
    @B_rad0806 4 роки тому +1

    Another amazing video

  • @AntsManitoba
    @AntsManitoba 4 роки тому

    Dude!!! This is such a good idea I love it 🤯

  • @issifraser8212
    @issifraser8212 4 роки тому +1

    Awesome finally your back!😁😁😁😂😀😀

  • @MyLivingWorldsAnts
    @MyLivingWorldsAnts 4 роки тому

    This was such a good video!

  • @averagedude76
    @averagedude76 4 роки тому

    Great video and great quality

  • @dfwturtles105
    @dfwturtles105 4 роки тому +3

    Love the maple syrup shot(s)

    • @juansoto9914
      @juansoto9914 4 роки тому +1

      they made me hungry

    • @li-lan5776
      @li-lan5776 4 роки тому +1

      90% sure that was corn syrup XD as a Mainer maple syrup is actually thinner than that

  • @bhutiphatleesirikul8972
    @bhutiphatleesirikul8972 3 роки тому

    very good idea LIKE!!!

  • @thomasschellenberg3818
    @thomasschellenberg3818 4 роки тому

    Awesome video sir

  • @mickster287
    @mickster287 4 роки тому +2

    Honestly you are by far my favorite ant youtuber !! Very professional, educational, and helpful as always !!! Please keep the videos coming !!! Waiting for a Ant Network Shirt !!! Great job again 👏 👍 👌 🙌

  • @lympic_cas5459
    @lympic_cas5459 4 роки тому

    Great video

  • @BroJackHenderson
    @BroJackHenderson 4 роки тому

    Nice shop!

  • @EstheticAnts
    @EstheticAnts 4 роки тому +3

    I like the idea, but I see a few problems using these vials. It isn't expendable, you will stress out the queen because you need constant watering. It's harder to keep them dark and the Ants don't have the same chamber feeling when in a test tube. Humitity isn't constant so the eggs won't develop that well. Please correct me if I'm wrong. What if there was a water reservouri at the bottom of the vial? So you lift the plaster and can eject water beneath it. Would that work better? Let's start a conversation!

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  4 роки тому +3

      Thanks for your comment. These vials do not require constant watering (~ once every 7 days on a shelf, or once every 14 days if kept in humid container). The vials are designed to get you from queen to small colony, and are not supposed to be perfectly linkable (for such a design, see our Lab-Style Formicarium tutorial). Queen ants do not require total darkness during the founding stages, and we actually advise against housing them that way. Robust colonies can and will come out of queens allowed to found in partial light. The eggs develop just fine. Feel free to innovate on the design! These vials create a founding environment that more closely mimics natural founding chambers than test tubes do, and have successfully raised colonies that went on to be displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Zoo, and other major institutions.

    • @EstheticAnts
      @EstheticAnts 4 роки тому

      @@MilesMaxcer Okay thanks very interesting, I might need to make one myself and try it out!

    • @Iceguide
      @Iceguide 2 місяці тому

      @@EstheticAnts After three Years, did u try it out, how are the results?

  • @nickanting8770
    @nickanting8770 4 роки тому +1

    Curious about what Camponotus sp you have there, besides those which appear to be either fragilis or festinatus. Very cool looking.

  • @kylerosenberg2508
    @kylerosenberg2508 4 роки тому +6

    This is an absolutely fantastic design, extremely cheap and practical. I wanted to ask though if leaving the vials in the container with the damp cloth is enough to keep the vials humid without regularly applying water to the inside with a pipette.

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  4 роки тому +3

      Hi Kyle! Thanks for the comments and question. The vials should be watered every ~7 days if kept out of the humid box or every 14 days if kept inside one. Of course, your local conditions may affect this so pay close attention to the needs of your ants.

  • @cityants1166
    @cityants1166 4 роки тому +1

    Nice vid

  • @klb430
    @klb430 4 роки тому +7

    I would love to see a video highlighting the different formicariums you have made/use. I have a few small colonies that are ready to move out of tub and tubes set ups, too expensive to get tarheel or antscanada for them all. I need ideas!

    • @adamtaylor796
      @adamtaylor796 4 роки тому +5

      You could try a giant version of his petri dish formicariums

    • @antwit9343
      @antwit9343 4 роки тому +4

      EelTwerpEel or make multiple of them and connect them together

    • @dragonsants7023
      @dragonsants7023 4 роки тому

      Firebrick a screwdriver, some silicone and picture frame glass!!!

    • @antwit9343
      @antwit9343 3 роки тому +2

      Dragon's Ants Hey dragon it’s me Kar

  • @nigelbagguley7410
    @nigelbagguley7410 4 роки тому

    very nice

  • @user-ui7hu8lz8l
    @user-ui7hu8lz8l Рік тому

    Love the vid, how do you make sure they have enough water to stay hydrated?

  • @juansoto9914
    @juansoto9914 4 роки тому

    nice video

  • @wolfe1970
    @wolfe1970 11 місяців тому

    what other plasters can you use as its impossible to get hydrostone plaster in the UK

  • @zrelzirow17
    @zrelzirow17 4 роки тому +2

    it would be very helpful for me if you could share german product links, from similar articles! :)
    Hydrostone is not really found in Germany. :(

  • @harlanabrams3006
    @harlanabrams3006 4 роки тому

    can you link some of the outworlds you use in all of your videos, Thanks.

  • @heavenzss
    @heavenzss 4 роки тому +1

    Hey i found quuen ant and after i took it home and put it in container he always sleeps and try to find a way to escape i give it water i find it weird cuz my brothers quuen ant so calm while mine moves so much

  • @drknmnn
    @drknmnn 4 роки тому

    That was awesome, Miles! Thanks

  • @thevieadanac6115
    @thevieadanac6115 Місяць тому

    How do you sterilize the sand?
    How long does it take the hydro stone to fully cure? You said 1/2 hour for heat but is it cured within that time?

  • @rexy8565
    @rexy8565 4 роки тому

    Bro why is the production quality so good when you have so little subs lol

  • @AdrianGarcia-ws1ge
    @AdrianGarcia-ws1ge 4 роки тому

    under rated

  • @antsterra
    @antsterra 3 роки тому

    Where can I buy much tubes ?

  • @ArgyleTurtle
    @ArgyleTurtle 4 роки тому

    Do they need any additional water to drink?

  • @Kilisei
    @Kilisei 3 роки тому

    Ehere did you get the boxes from

  • @fishingwithaiden276
    @fishingwithaiden276 2 роки тому

    What is you fill it half way and carve it out

  • @CarlosGonzalez-qq6kk
    @CarlosGonzalez-qq6kk 3 роки тому +2

    Great tutorial!! Very explanatory!! 👏🏻👏🏻
    In Europe isn't easy to find Hydro-Stone from USG. I can buy thought the Hydrocal white or the Ultracal 30 from USG... could any of both be useful as substitute?
    Thanks!!

  • @joebothehobo5895
    @joebothehobo5895 3 роки тому

    What’s the best mm test tube size

  • @callumjohn6089
    @callumjohn6089 3 роки тому

    just a question can you just like raise an ant queen in a container filled with dirt

  • @insanemateen4116
    @insanemateen4116 3 роки тому

    Can I use conceate with sand

  • @user-yj4qz5lo6k
    @user-yj4qz5lo6k 4 роки тому +1

    This same vial setup but with a water reservoir underneath the plaster and a piece of plaster sucking up water from it would be better I think

  • @texants
    @texants 3 роки тому

    Eres un genio

  • @pubcarldelacruz4111
    @pubcarldelacruz4111 3 роки тому

    I wish you to have many subscriber

  • @justyourordinarytom6528
    @justyourordinarytom6528 4 роки тому

    Interesting but i will still preffer test tube . I dont have to disturb them and probably drown the brood amd q when watering .

  • @kalapzaz9263
    @kalapzaz9263 4 роки тому

    Good

  • @shanebishop959
    @shanebishop959 4 роки тому

    You mentioned doing the same thing in a larger jar, but does that not run the same risk of breaking from hydrostone expansion? Does the thicker jar "wall" prevent such problems, or is there some trick to making that work?

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  4 роки тому

      The thicker wall tends to prevent such problems, particularly if you use a consistency like maple syrup (or corn syrup...) when mixing! ;)

  • @antdayuk6851
    @antdayuk6851 4 роки тому +1

    I love ant keeping

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  4 роки тому +1

      We do too!

    • @antdayuk6851
      @antdayuk6851 4 роки тому

      @@MilesMaxcer I've found a lastis niger queen 2 weeks old she has a lot of eggs too it's on my channel Ant day UK plz feel free to check it out 😁🤞🤞😃

  • @danotjd7697
    @danotjd7697 4 роки тому

    Did you use hydrocal and hydrostone together? Or you just provided 2 separate options and both material would work equally? Thanks in advance

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  4 роки тому

      Just providing two different options for people! Either will work for this project, but should not be combined together.

  • @sandragoodey5596
    @sandragoodey5596 3 роки тому

    Can our use normal plaster for the vials. Thank you

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  3 роки тому

      You can, but it may not last as long.

  • @MinigunL5
    @MinigunL5 4 роки тому

    Cool

  • @harlanabrams9743
    @harlanabrams9743 4 роки тому +2

    can they drink from the hydro stone and how often would you need to disturb them to water? Nice video BTW

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  4 роки тому +2

      Hi Harlan! Thanks for the comments and question. The vials should be watered every ~7 days if kept out of the humid box or every 14 days if kept inside one. Of course, your local conditions may affect this so pay close attention to the needs of your ants. The ants do not need drinking water if the humidity allows them to keep their hydration in check. That acknowledged, these vials allow for micro-bubbles to form from condensation, which the ants do drink.

    • @harlanabrams3006
      @harlanabrams3006 4 роки тому

      @@MilesMaxcer thanks I think ill probably try making some I just ordered a ton of supplies to make petri dish setups.

  • @gabrielookami8774
    @gabrielookami8774 3 роки тому

    That's only for the founding stage, correct? When first nanitic workers appear, they should be moved in a different setup, right?

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  3 роки тому +2

      That’s correct! Once the first or second generation of workers eclose, they’ll need a proper formicarium (such as a Tar Heel Ants Mini Hearth).

  • @sorensants9412
    @sorensants9412 2 роки тому

    Do you think I should be looking for a consistency like maple syrup?

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  2 роки тому

      You know what, that does sound like a really good analogy. Yeah, I think a consistency like maple syrup would be satisfactory.
      - Miles

  • @FizzleFX
    @FizzleFX 2 місяці тому

    uhm why not drill a tiny hole in? tilting the lid seems excessive and it may drops while moving :x

  • @juanmaolmedo4513
    @juanmaolmedo4513 3 роки тому

    If I don't have hydrocal, can it be replaced by something?

  • @mrilovetheants
    @mrilovetheants 4 роки тому +17

    Hay I know where that was filmed!

    • @juansoto9914
      @juansoto9914 4 роки тому +1

      where

    • @antsla9843
      @antsla9843 4 роки тому +1

      montana

    • @mrilovetheants
      @mrilovetheants 4 роки тому +1

      Arizona actually. There's a man down there who builds exhibits for museums.

    • @theanthouse8487
      @theanthouse8487 3 роки тому +1

      @@mrilovetheants That explains the trap-jaw queen at 5:51

  • @matheeshagajanayake5305
    @matheeshagajanayake5305 2 роки тому

    Can I use POP other than hydrostone plaster?

  • @samyish
    @samyish 3 роки тому

    Is that the same as plaster of paris?

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  3 роки тому

      No, hydrostone and hydrocal are stronger plasters that provide more durability and resistance to fungal growth than plaster of Paris does.

  • @HubertusGaming
    @HubertusGaming 4 роки тому

    What is the best to use test tubes, Petry dish or this?

    • @getoffyoubassandletsfish8565
      @getoffyoubassandletsfish8565 11 місяців тому

      I like test tubes 🧪 easier to keep hydrated and storage if you have multiple queens. They are very low maintenance and only need to be check on monthly.

  • @re1ard353
    @re1ard353 4 роки тому

    Can i adk this question?
    A few days ago i caught a mated carpenter queen and she has not lay any eggs is there a reason for it?

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  4 роки тому

      It can sometimes take over a week for a newly-mated queen to begin producing eggs. Be patient! Also make sure she’s in a proper environment with a source of moisture.

    • @re1ard353
      @re1ard353 4 роки тому

      @@MilesMaxcer ohhh ok thanks so much for the help

  • @mlk08012
    @mlk08012 2 роки тому +1

    This should work in old pill vials. The orange color would restrict viewing, but also eliminate light for the queen.

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  2 роки тому

      That's right! Definitely an accessible and cheap option.

  • @dragonsants7023
    @dragonsants7023 4 роки тому

    Does anyone know how to get ahold of the Plaster.Com people? my order is much later than they said it was going to be and both of my emails were rejected... Tech support and customer service

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  3 роки тому +1

      We don't use them for that reason! Reach out to U.S. Gypsum and ask for them to help you locate a supplier.

  • @dragonsants7023
    @dragonsants7023 4 роки тому

    Are these reusable at all?

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  4 роки тому +1

      Yes! Simply rinse them out with water and replace any substrate you want to use, and you’re good to go!

  • @the.original.zeus_69
    @the.original.zeus_69 3 роки тому

    Make some holes in the cap because the ants cannot breath without air
    from Ants antner

  • @jack_corvinus
    @jack_corvinus 4 роки тому +1

    Dang this Miles Obama fella looks mighty handsome

  • @johnluis4363
    @johnluis4363 2 роки тому +1

    I’m only 11 and I think I understood everything...

  • @mb-vj4gd
    @mb-vj4gd 4 роки тому

    Awesome tutorial as always. I know you said in another video that you get some compensation when we use the linked products. I imagine this would create a lot of extra work, but you may want to also include links for other countries. I'm in Canada so use amazon.ca, and the links you provide are only for the American site. I'd use your links if I could!

  • @Spooder1989
    @Spooder1989 3 роки тому

    Why not just use a natural substrate?

    • @MilesMaxcer
      @MilesMaxcer  3 роки тому +1

      Natural substrates can be used by the ants to obscure view into the nest, and can contain pathogens and things like mites, which can be deleterious to the ants' health. If you'd like to use a substrate such as washed sand, just be sure that it has been sterilized. This can be accomplished by soaking it in alcohol or heating it on a baking sheet at 180* F (~82 C) for 1/2 an hour. Thanks for your comment!

  • @coolapps5070
    @coolapps5070 2 роки тому +1

    Can I have a ant queen.

  • @howlround
    @howlround 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the video. At the moment I only have access to "Perfect Cast" As much as I've tried, I can't determine if this is the same as, or safe as hydrostone. Here's a link, but that may trigger a spam filter.. www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Clay-Molding-Sculpting/Casting/Perfect-Cast/p/80766748

  • @berb8300
    @berb8300 4 роки тому

    :)

  • @undifined7251
    @undifined7251 3 роки тому

    G

  • @astrosmusic3224
    @astrosmusic3224 3 роки тому

    YOU NEED WATER THEY WILL DIE!!!!! sad#