Like the title says I caught 3 queens and they won't lay eggs. I caught them at around the 27 of May so its been a while but even after all this time they have still not layed anything. I only check up on them every two weak so I don't think they are too stress, I also moved them downstairs where there's not a lot of activity yet still nothing. Am I just being impatient or is there something wrong? They also pull on the cotton in the test tube is that normal.
I'm not sure of there species but I think they are one of these.
Tetramorium immigrans
Camponotus novaeboracensis
Camponotus pennsylvanicus
Photo of the ants an the test tube just in case I'm doing something wrong on that.
https://postimg.cc/image/z3x2z2t57/
https://postimg.cc/image/qa66hsizf/
https://postimg.cc/image/6sbj21we3/
https://postimg.cc/image/5ejw6ampn/
https://postimg.cc/image/u7tg73imj/
https://postimg.cc/image/88n1k0jtn/
https://postimg.cc/image/5fttznr3f/
https://postimg.cc/image/5fttzswa3/
https://postimg.cc/image/aehcejaff/
https://postimg.cc/image/ar8qktfvf/
3 Queens won't lay eggs.
Moderator: ooper01
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Re: 3 Queens won't lay eggs.
ok so try moving them to a new test tube. they might not be comfortable were they are now so that might be the reason.
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- Batspiderfish
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Re: 3 Queens won't lay eggs.
All of the queens imaged are Camponotus. Sometimes when Camponotus queens keep their wings, it is difficult to get them to lay eggs. It's possible that they haven't mated. You might as well hold onto them until you need the test tubes for something else -- if they aren't mated, they are doomed regardless of whether you keep them or release them, but there is always that chance that they are simply waiting.
If you want an ID of the queens, please embed your photographs (making sure that the URL shows only the image, not the site that hosts it). That is a lot of copy-pasting for a volunteer to do.
If you want an ID of the queens, please embed your photographs (making sure that the URL shows only the image, not the site that hosts it). That is a lot of copy-pasting for a volunteer to do.
If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.
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Re: 3 Queens won't lay eggs.
What could be making them uncomfortable?
How long does it usually take when they wait? How long can a un-mated queen survive for.Batspiderfish wrote: ↑Fri Jul 13, 2018 3:04 pmAll of the queens imaged are Camponotus. Sometimes when Camponotus queens keep their wings, it is difficult to get them to lay eggs. It's possible that they haven't mated. You might as well hold onto them until you need the test tubes for something else -- if they aren't mated, they are doomed regardless of whether you keep them or release them, but there is always that chance that they are simply waiting.
If you want an ID of the queens, please embed your photographs (making sure that the URL shows only the image, not the site that hosts it). That is a lot of copy-pasting for a volunteer to do.
Re: 3 Queens won't lay eggs.
Campnotus can take a very long time, easily could be months. Unmated queens can survive for years, normally not though.
I like to feed my queens honey and a little protien after i catch them so they are happy and full. If she is hungry she is alot less likely to lay eggs! However after that. Leave them alone so they can chill and feel safe!
I like to feed my queens honey and a little protien after i catch them so they are happy and full. If she is hungry she is alot less likely to lay eggs! However after that. Leave them alone so they can chill and feel safe!
Keeper of:
1x Formica Pacifica
2x Camponotus Modoc
1x Tetramorium Immigrans
2x Lasius Sp
Founding:
3x Lasius Sp
2x Formica Argentea
2x Myrmica Rubra
GAN Farmer: 4 Colonies sold
Goal: Supply school science classes with colonies for learning.
1x Formica Pacifica
2x Camponotus Modoc
1x Tetramorium Immigrans
2x Lasius Sp
Founding:
3x Lasius Sp
2x Formica Argentea
2x Myrmica Rubra
GAN Farmer: 4 Colonies sold
Goal: Supply school science classes with colonies for learning.
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Re: 3 Queens won't lay eggs.
Actually a hungry Queen will sometimes lay trophic eggs (unfertilized eggs) which she eats when she and/or larvae gets hungry during the founding stage. But it usually never happens.PwnerPie wrote: ↑Sat Jul 14, 2018 8:06 pmCampnotus can take a very long time, easily could be months. Unmated queens can survive for years, normally not though.
I like to feed my queens honey and a little protien after i catch them so they are happy and full. If she is hungry she is alot less likely to lay eggs! However after that. Leave them alone so they can chill and feel safe!
An ants' strength can be rivaled by few animals compared to relative body size.
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