Worried about my queen! Help!

[Jayhawk13]

I recently obtained a Queen black carpenter ant. I have recently noticed that she is constantly pacing the test tube housing I have her in, and she just cannot get comfortable. I have had her for about 8 days. Any suggestions? I am so worried about her.

[Ant108]

You keeping her in the dark? Dark is good. Let her be.

[Jayhawk13]

I have her kept in the dark. Temp is about 58-63 degrees Fahrenheit.

[Hawkeye]

I have her kept in the dark. Temp is about 58-63 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hi there!

I am assuming it is a wild caught ant? She will be feeling very restless at first in an unknown and unnatural environment. The best thing you could do right now is put her in the dark, at a steady temperature and resist the urge to check on her for at least 2 weeks. Exposure to light, vibrations or movement of the tube will only cause her stress.

Feel free to join our Camponotus Crew thread if you'd like to exchange experiences, ideas or general ant stuff.