The insert removes empty space in the tube and creates a small layout with low ceilings while retaining good visibility against the glass; it also raises the ants to the top of the tube, where the most moisture concentrates.
Most species of ants, but especially cryptic species, like to nest in small tight areas; the hollow space inside a test tube may seem small to us; still, it is a substantial volume to ants, and often it is harder to see them when they settle at the bottom of an empty tube.
Concave areas are interconnected by a tunnel that connects to the center of the vinyl tube through a slim adapter; on the opposite end, we reach the moist cotton area.
The reduced space allows ants to hide less from view, expanding horizontally onto the glass window. It is best to provide in the outworld a tiny amount of loose substrate they can carry back to arrange in their chambers, often helping with humidity distribution; they are likely to stay within your view during the process, thanks to the small gap with the glass.
>> The inside diameter of the tunnels is 4mm wide and tall; the bottom of each concave section has a variable depth of up to 6mm. Species similar in size or smaller than "Lasius" can fit.
Besides allowing for connection to a 9.5mm vinyl tube, the front adapter keeps all pieces tightly against each other as it pushes the insert body onto the cotton on the waterside.
The test tube's rear hole services a refillable water chamber. Perlite or any similar porous inert material like vermiculite is used to retain water and apply pressure against the cotton.
Humidity can be controlled by carefully adding water until the cotton is as moist or soaked as much as desired. Part of the underside of the insert may be purposely saturated with water, increasing humidity, but this is only advisable for species that need very humid conditions.
Heating can be done from under the test tube, increasing the overall temperature and humidity on the top chamber even more if placed near the cotton. The cable can also be applied to the top glass simulating the effect of heat under a rock.
There are two insert lengths available short 35mm with two segments for founding stages and long 65mm with five segments for bigger colonies.
The unit can be paired with a long black jacket with rings for the long insert and a short jacket with rings for the short insert version.
Light protection options include a short jacket for the small 35mm insert with tall or short rings. Or a long black jacket with rings for the long 65mm insert.
** Each unit includes a 16x125mm glass test tube with a small rear hole at the back, a plastic insert (short or long), a vinyl tube adapter with silicone fitting and a tube filled with perlite and a cotton place ready for use. Plus, you can choose black-out options with black jackets that match the insert length.
The setup is compatible with the window and classic test tube ports found on the array formicaria and the outworlds we carry. The window array, particularly for larger setups, retains complete visibility with the entrance tunnel of the insert.
It is made with PLA pro plastic.
Weight per test tube with light protection and rings 25 grams.