The AntsCanada Ant Forum's

I have 2 test tubes, each one with a Phiedole Bicarinata Queen and several workers and brood.

I have heard that this species is Polyganous and allows for multiple queens in the same colony. Is this true?

I have yet to get anyone to answer my question so I intend on trying to introduce them to each other via a shared outworld. I want to put both queens in the same colony but they were originally separate from one another. I do not know if it is possible to introduce them to each other and combine their colonies without conflict. If anyone knows if this can be done, please let me know. Otherwise, I'm going to try to introduce them to one another and see what happens. I only have these 2 queens however and don't want to lose one of them as a result of this experiment so any advice is appreciated.

I'm no expert but my first phiedole colony had 6 queens. Although it is a bit risky to merge the colonies. It can be done though. My suggestion is to put them together and monitor it closely. It they start killing each other then remove one of the colonies.

@AntsSA

Thank you. If you had 6 queens living cooperatively that at least confirms for me that they are polyganous. I think that's what I'll do. I was thinking I'll put both tubes in a clear box (car model display case - great for outworlds by the way) and I'll cover one with foil. Then observe. If the ants don't become aggressive toward each other then maybe they'll start to move the exposed tube queen and young into the covered. I'll separate them if they become aggressive toward each other. I'll update after I attempt it this weekend. Thanks for the comment and advice. That helped me make my decision. I really didn't want to expose them to each other if there was no chance of cooperation.

Has anything happened yet die they kill each other or merge to form a larger colony
Can I see some photos?

No updates yet, but I promise I'll let you know once I've attempted a merge between the colonies. I haven't tried introducing them to each other yet. Once I have attempted it I will post updates. And I will definitely take photos. To excited about this not too. I'll probably try to get video but I don't have a macro lens so that may be challenging.