An Illustrated Guide to the Test Tube Nest for New Queens and Founding Colonies

When raising a new queen or a founding colony, a test tube is very often used as the nest. The reason is that it provides stable, long-lasting humidity without the need to keep adding water. The one drawback is that the water reservoir at the back cannot be refilled once it dries out, but because it lasts so long, you can usually move the ants to a new nest before the water runs out.

Here is an illustrated guide to setting up a test tube as an ant nest

First, gather your materials:

Once you have everything ready, the first step is to fill the tube with water to about one third of its height.

Next, use tweezers to push a suitably sized piece of cotton (larger than the diameter of the tube; filter floss or ordinary cotton wool both work) into the tube.

Push it in until the cotton sits against the water

Note: The position of the cotton matters. Too deep and water will seep out; too shallow and the moisture will not evaporate into the tube properly.

Once that is done, the ants can be moved in to settle in the tube. Seal the opening well so they cannot escape.

Finally, make sure the tube is held securely so it cannot roll and tumble the ants around inside.

Camponotus habereri being raised in a test tube

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