Questions about my small Camponotus novaeboracensis colony.

[antperson24]

One of the Camponotus novaeboracensis workers is tying to dig in the glued down sand. Does this mean they need more room?

[SolenopsisKeeper]

One of the Camponotus novaeboracensis workers is tying to dig in the glued down sand. Does this mean they need more room?

Not really, it could mean there nest is too humid, too cold/hot, too small, or even uncomfortable it any other way. My Camponotus workers dig in sand even though they have the perfect nest(Controlled temp and humidity etc.)

[antperson24]

My Camponotus novaeboracensis colony, is currently living in a Tar Heal Ants Mini Hearth, has five workers and about 40 brood (~20 eggs/small larva,~9 large larva,~11 pupa). I bought a Tar Heal Ants Mini Hearth XL for them to live in. So I was wondering how many workers should there be before I connect them together?(I am planing on letting them live in the Mini Hearth XL and the Mini hearth).


Mini Hearth XL link:https://tarheelants.com/collections/type-iii-formicaria/products/mini-hearth-xl-type-iii

Mini Hearth Link:https://tarheelants.com/collections/type-iii-formicaria/products/mini-hearth

[SolenopsisKeeper]

My Camponotus novaeboracensis colony, is currently living in a Tar Heal Ants Mini Hearth, has five workers and about 40 brood (~20 eggs/small larva,~9 large larva,~11 pupa). I bought a Tar Heal Ants Mini Hearth XL for them to live in. So I was wondering how many workers should there be before I connect them together?(I am planing on letting them live in the Mini Hearth XL and the Mini hearth).


Mini Hearth XL link:https://tarheelants.com/collections/type-iii-formicaria/products/mini-hearth-xl-type-iii

Mini Hearth Link:https://tarheelants.com/collections/type-iii-formicaria/products/mini-hearth

Camponotus can be moved as soon as nantics, as long as their is no excessive empty room. Seeing the brood you are fine.

[antperson24]

I found my Camponotus novaeboracensis colony eating a pupa. I looked to make sure that it had not hatched and they were just eating the cocoon. But then I saw the larva/ant in the queens mouth. I thought they must need food so I fed them a cricket, part of a superworm and some sugar water. So I was wondering if there is anything else I should do?

[ANThonyluscious]

I would only suggest keeping it dark in there now that you’ve given them sufficient food and sugar source. Make sure they still have a source of FRESH water too! Sounds like they’ll be doing just fine!

[antperson24]

On March 11th 2022 a few larva spun their cocoons and so far none of them have shown any signs of hatching (the colony did eat one of the larva about a week ago). Should they have hatched by now?

[SolenopsisKeeper]

On March 11th 2022 a few larva spun their cocoons and so far none of them have shown any signs of hatching (the colony did eat one of the larva about a week ago). Should they have hatched by now?

No. They take up to two months to develop(My observation), and actually the longer it takes it usually means the larger and more developed they will be. Can you see strands of silk coming loose? This usually means about a week (give or take a few days) until hatching

[antperson24]

My Camponotus Colony has 18 workers and 3 small majors. They are living in a Tar Heel Ants mini hearth. Do they need more room?

[SolenopsisKeeper]

My Camponotus Colony has 18 workers and 3 small majors. They are living in a Tar Heel Ants mini hearth. Do they need more room?

Can you post a picture on Imagur and link it? That would help, thanks!