Queen ant

[Batspiderfish]

Most likely Camponotus americanus or C. semitestaceus, but these can't be identified in your region from color alone.

[ethergear]

Batspiderfish, thank you so much for giving me those names to research!

Looking at the images of them both on BugGuide, I think I have a pair of C. semitestaceus queens. Mine have the right coloration and variation, and a sort of dark spot at the end of the gaster rather than a stripiness to the gaster.

Right now, as far as I can tell, beyond a test tube setup in a warm corner at the moment they seem to want nothing. They've each laid ten or so eggs, some of which I see have dark spots and are presumably developing into brood.

I can find almost nothing about these ants online, and nothing at all about their biology. I have watched a lot of AntsCanada and I understand Camponotus ants are claustral. My current plan is to wait until I see the first worker, and attempt to initiate feeding with honey and/or very small pre killed feeder insects like fruit fly larvae or something. I think that in any case I have some weeks until the first workers are ready.

I do have some bad news - although I got my camera back from the cleaners, my photos all turned out terrible and I don't dare disturb their majesties for a week at least. No photos this time around!

The good news is, the video turned out pretty OK! Thanks again for reading!
https://youtu.be/cBDW9hvixxY

[NKantsalberta]

Are these species native to Alberta, Canada? SO beautiful!