Ponerine Queens

[seadawg84]

I have two different queens (possibly ponera pennsylvanica and proceratium silacium) and all they do is hunt, sleep and drink their water. I know they’re queens because you can clearly see where their wings were. I have had them for several weeks now and neither of them have laid any eggs (as far as I can tell). Should I just let them go? Or should I wait until next spring (I live in Northern Indiana) to see if either of them have laid eggs by then?

[antperson24]

I have two different queens (possibly ponera pennsylvanica and proceratium silacium) and all they do is hunt, sleep and drink their water. I know they’re queens because you can clearly see where their wings were. I have had them for several weeks now and neither of them have laid any eggs (as far as I can tell). Should I just let them go? Or should I wait until next spring (I live in Northern Indiana) to see if either of them have laid eggs by then?

I don't know much a bout that genus, but I would keep them a little longer.

[AntsOfMichigan]

I have two different queens (possibly ponera pennsylvanica and proceratium silacium) and all they do is hunt, sleep and drink their water. I know they’re queens because you can clearly see where their wings were. I have had them for several weeks now and neither of them have laid any eggs (as far as I can tell). Should I just let them go? Or should I wait until next spring (I live in Northern Indiana) to see if either of them have laid eggs by then?

Assuming you caught they relatively late (from what i've read, maybe at the beginning of October?) I'd definitely keep them. In Northern Indiana, most ants are in hibernation by October, or atleast going into hibernation by October. Queens caught this late commonly go into hibernation in northern climates. I'd say hibernate them. Are they active, or are they kind of just sitting there? If they are just sitting there, put them into hibernation, just make sure its actual hibernation temperatures (40-50F) and not just in the 60s-70s, or else the queens will die of starvation. Not super good with Semi-Claustral queens, but from what i've read, and my personal experience, i'd put them into hibernation.