Found a queen.

[Ants101]

Hey Ant fans. I found what I believe to be a Queen. I stumbled across her wings on the floor firstly and then a few hours later I found her.

Was hoping I could have some help with I.D and whether or not she is claustral. I’m in Queensland Australia if that any help.

Thanks.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FrQd4rjfFZiev0w1pVt0KEs8qn6To2d-/view?usp=drivesdk

[SYUTEO]

Seems to be a Camponotus queen. They are fully-claustral so you don't need to feed her.

[Ants101]

Thanks so much for the invaluable information. Really appreciate it.

[AntsLuxembourg]

Thanks so much for the invaluable information. Really appreciate it.

If you provide additional information like the size (in mm) and when exactly you caught her, then we can have a try at identifying her exact species.
Also I can confirm that this one looks a lot like camponotus.

[Ants101]

Hello. Thank you for your reply.

I found her in late November I’d say approx 25th. I found the wings the day before that. I checked her this evening and she’s laid approx 6-8 eggs. She’s approx 5-6mm. I’m not 100% sure as I don’t want to disturb her again. When I check her next week I’ll measure her. Thanks so much.

[SolenopsisKeeper]

Sounds a little small for Camponotus… especially a queen. Do you know her size compared to a coin?

[Ants101]

Hello again. My apologies. I was merely going from approximation from memory. I inspected her today and managed to photograph her along side a ruler. She’s more like 10-11m

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xwB0pScSG1LWwTmynCYqiiR4IcwywJFz/view?usp=drivesdk

[SolenopsisKeeper]

Just and estimated guess, as I am not familiar with Australian ants. How about Camponotus Aenepilosos? It fits the size… (This is more of an estimate based on research)

I could not find a queen size for Camponotus inflatus(Honey pot ants local to you). Either way, she is fully claustral and will not require feeding. Hopefully your queen makes it through the founding stage!
Best of luck with your new queen!

If you do get workers, you may be able to determine spieces here


https://www.antwiki.org/wiki/Key_to_Australian_Camponotus_species

[Ants101]

Wow thanks very much for the reply and link. That’s extremely useful indeed. I Googled the species you suggested she might be (Camponotus Aenepilosos) and I think you absolutely nailed it. We have that species right in this neighbourhood. I’ve always loved that golden sheen on their abdomen. Geez I hope she makes it. She’s warm and in the dark and I’m just going to leave her alone. Thanks again. Such an exciting time.

[SolenopsisKeeper]

Good luck with your new queen!