Camponotus development

[Zayltek]

I've 2 Camponotus Pennsylvanicus queens with 10-15 eggs each. They have been tending the eggs for about two weeks now. How long does it usually take for this species to go from egg to larvae?

[TheRealAntMan]

I usually if the they aren’t heated and are kept at room temperature than it can 17-18 days.

[Zayltek]

They're kind of heated (on top of my PS4 that runs pretty much all day from my wife working from home) but it's probably closer to room since we run the AC when outdoor Temps hit 76°+. From what you said, I should expect Larvae any day now

[AntsLuxembourg]

Perhaps you can show us a picture of your queens eggs so someone with an eye for that kind of stuff can tell you if they are quite ready yet. ;3

[Zayltek]

Wife just texted, we've got larvae! I'm super excited and will definitely take some pictures once home.

[Zayltek]

As promised, my queens.
https://flic.kr/p/27z71my

Please forgive my poor excuse for photography as my phone is garbage for Macro photos..

[TheRealAntMan]

Nice. You should check out my Camponotus journal too.

[AntsLuxembourg]

Hm youu could try to make the focus a bit better since the lego is clearly visible. Also phones aren't meaned to be used for macro photography but you can try to get the best possible picture or at least a better one by trying to set the right focus. Perhaps if it's a smartphone you could tap on the screen to focus on the ants. I did that with mine to get at least a nice shot.

[Zayltek]

That's what I did to get to there. I've gotten some decent shots of some of my miniature painting comissions, but ants are quite a bit smaller than that. I need to get then on to a flat solid background so the phone can figure out what to focus on. I just didn't want to disturb the Queens anymore than they had been that day.

[AntsLuxembourg]

Yeah take your time. I was just lucky with some shots of mine that they were clear enough and by adding some like to it with an extra flashlight but not the flashlight of your phone you can get even better results.