Caught 4 queens, black garden ants "Lasius niger" need info on how to keep them

[Yaboijax]

I caught 4 queens yesterday, Monday august 1st, had no clue there was a nuptial flight till I saw a lot of dead male elates everywhere. I believe they are 'Lasius niger' ants, usually known as black garden ants. I have them individually in small containers In a dark drawer with a drop of honey, and a drop of water. I haven't kept ants before, and I'd like to know if this species fasts during the founding stage, or if I should supply them with more food and water. Also, I'd love any tips, or advice with how to take care of them, if you do please let me know.

[antperson24]

I caught 4 queens yesterday, Monday august 1st, had no clue there was a nuptial flight till I saw a lot of dead male elates everywhere. I believe they are 'Lasius niger' ants, usually known as black garden ants. I have them individually in small containers In a dark drawer with a drop of honey, and a drop of water. I haven't kept ants before, and I'd like to know if this species fasts during the founding stage, or if I should supply them with more food and water. Also, I'd love any tips, or advice with how to take care of them, if you do please let me know.

This species is fully claustral, witch means they do not fast. Also you should put her in a test tube setup, here is a video showing how to do this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfzUILyCz8o&ab_channel=AntsCanada
I have kept this species before so here is a tip: These are very small ants so don't move them into a nest to soon.

[Yaboijax]

Thank you, how long should I leave them be? Is there a certain amount of time that they can't be disturbed?

[Yaboijax]

And, do you know if this is a hybernating species?
It's late summer, and I live in northern utah, if that accounts for anything.

[Yaboijax]

Sorry for spamming so much, but how should I feed them? Just a little drop of honey? Or maybe more so I don't have to replace it often?

[SolenopsisKeeper]

And, do you know if this is a hybernating species?
It's late summer, and I live in northern utah, if that accounts for anything.

Not L. Niger. They don’t exist in North America. Probably L. Neoniger, but same care. Yes, they do hibernate or go into diapause.

[antperson24]

Thank you, how long should I leave them be? Is there a certain amount of time that they can't be disturbed?

Normally you should only check them about once a week at the most.

[antperson24]

Sorry for spamming so much, but how should I feed them? Just a little drop of honey? Or maybe more so I don't have to replace it often?

Well, if she does not have any workers, you don't need to feed her at all until the first few workers come.

[antkid365]

And, do you know if this is a hybernating species?
It's late summer, and I live in northern utah, if that accounts for anything.

Not L. Niger. They don’t exist in North America. Probably L. Neoniger, but same care. Yes, they do hibernate or go into diapause.

I thought L.niger did hibernate but yeah, they arent in North America i dont think

[antkid365]

Sorry for spamming so much, but how should I feed them? Just a little drop of honey? Or maybe more so I don't have to replace it often?

Well, if she does not have any workers, you don't need to feed her at all until the first few workers come.

I fed my founding lasius queens a tiny drop of honey and then i only fed them again once they had workers, but they dont need food until they have workers. I fed mine just so they had a bit of energy after nuptial flight.