Eggs Won't Develop

[Jadeninja9]

It's been 23 days since I first saw that all my Lasius alienus queens have lain eggs, and not a single egg has developed. I see my queens laying more eggs, but they just won't develop. I'm keeping them in a shoebox in the dark on the top of my closet. They are at room temperature. Is this normal for the eggs to not have developed yet?

[kykel09]

I would say give it more time. I caught my Lasius Neoniger queens back in July and it took nearly a month before I noticed any change. Alienus species is extremely similar. They like Neoniger, are also sensitive to light. A lot of times, the queen will cover the young larvae with more eggs making it hard to tell that they've already hatched. Mine only just starting cocooning this past week, after over a month from the start of her laying eggs. Patience is key at this stage.

Another thing to consider is I've found some queens to be significantly more sensitive to disturbances. One of my Lasius Neonigers for example cannibalized her eggs not once, but twice because I stressed her out by checking on her too much. The first time I almost didn't notice because she laid more eggs to replace those she'd killed. It's possible one of these things may be happening in your case.

I would recommend, as she is a claustral species, put her away and pending that her test tube has enough water, don't check on her again for 2 weeks. If the eggs are dying, there really isn't much you can do about that. But, if your disturbances are causing the issues, 2 weeks of peace and quiet might get things going.

[Jadeninja9]

I would say give it more time. I caught my Lasius Neoniger queens back in July and it took nearly a month before I noticed any change. Alienus species is extremely similar. They like Neoniger, are also sensitive to light. A lot of times, the queen will cover the young larvae with more eggs making it hard to tell that they've already hatched. Mine only just starting cocooning this past week, after over a month from the start of her laying eggs. Patience is key at this stage.

Another thing to consider is I've found some queens to be significantly more sensitive to disturbances. One of my Lasius Neonigers for example cannibalized her eggs not once, but twice because I stressed her out by checking on her too much. The first time I almost didn't notice because she laid more eggs to replace those she'd killed. It's possible one of these things may be happening in your case.

I would recommend, as she is a claustral species, put her away and pending that her test tube has enough water, don't check on her again for 2 weeks. If the eggs are dying, there really isn't much you can do about that. But, if your disturbances are causing the issues, 2 weeks of peace and quiet might get things going.

I'll do that thanks

[Jadeninja9]

Oh also should I heat them?

[idahoantgirl]

you can. It will make them grow faster, but it is not necessary for survival.