Weird Messor barbarus behaviour

[Deleted]

Over the last couple of weeks my Messor colony had developed a habit of tearing bits of cotton wool out of the water reservoir test tube and leaving it lying around in the foraging tank and near to but not in their nest entrance. It seems to be an important endeavour for them as there are always 3/4 workers carrying out this task. They don't seem to be using the cotton wool for anything in particular. Any ideas what could be going on?

[Wood~Ant]

Yes, this is a clear indication that the workers want to dig and expand their nest area. I would consider moving the colony into a small soil set up of some kind, and if they are already nesting in soil then the workers might be just telling you that they don't like the test tube, or they're frustrated with the water supply.

Personally I never supply either of my 2 very large colonies with water, and only spray the nest with water once a week. This water, and perhaps a little condensation is enough for their needs, as coming from fairly hot dry regions these ants require very little to drink. 

Remove any bits of cotton wool as when it dries out it can become entangled with the ants legs and antennae.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the advice. I'd suspected that might be the case. I have an upright slim nest that my old Messors used to live in so I'll just attach that to the foraging area and hope that they find their way in.

[Wood~Ant]

I find that my 2 Messor barb colonies like a good sized tank half filled with sandy soil. Loam soil works best for them such as you find in John Innes 2 or 3.