Is this a QUEEN? If yes what kind

[silulilu]

Okay so i don't know how to understand it. I have recorded the ants behavior when i connected them. What do you think about it?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evw047FtR44

[StormDancer]

Definite agression. Seperate them.

[Batspiderfish]

They will accept pupae from just about any Formica sp. just fine. I don't think we will be able to identify her further without a much closer look, though. Formica social parasites can open cocoons, and they only need about 6.

[silulilu]

I did separete them immidiately. But the problem is it's a wild queen. How am i able to get pupae from an old nest that is inside the ground. I don't want to destroy it. And also what is the difference between parasitic queen and no parasitic.

[silulilu]

They will accept pupae from just about any Formica sp. just fine. I don't think we will be able to identify her further without a much closer look, though. Formica social parasites can open cocoons, and they only need about 6.

1. why does she need cocoons?
2. can i give her the pupaes even if she is parasitis or not?
3. why she can't start the colony by her own.
4. do i have to hibernate the pupaes before introducing it to her?

[Batspiderfish]

1. why does she need cocoons?
2. can i give her the pupaes even if she is parasitis or not?
3. why she can't start the colony by her own.
4. do i have to hibernate the pupaes before introducing it to her?

Social parasites do not found colonies independently. They need help from host workers. Most social parasite queens have not retained their instincts for brood care and must undergo a risky introduction to adult workers. Formica social parasites still know how to open cocoons, so giving them pupae is much safer. Callow worker ants that emerge from pupae are non-aggressive and will imprint upon the colony they are born in.

[silulilu]

Social parasites do not found colonies independently. They need help from host workers. Most social parasite queens have not retained their instincts for brood care and must undergo a risky introduction to adult workers. Formica social parasites still know how to open cocoons, so giving them pupae is much safer. Callow worker ants that emerge from pupae are non-aggressive and will imprint upon the colony they are born in.

I have added 6 pupaes from different formica's colony. wasn't that easy to steal it but as they are the most agressive species in my country how could it be .
It looks like she is taking care of them, isn't she?



My next question is : What is next? the workers will "arrive" and then she starts to born her first brood?

[StormDancer]

Yep, start feeding them and they should help her raise her own brood.

[StormDancer]

Yep, start feeding them and they should help her raise her own brood.

[silulilu]

Yep, start feeding them and they should help her raise her own brood.

Great thank you guys for help really appreciate it <3 As i am new to the ant keeping the first caught queen was a such an amazing experience..

I have already Messor Barbarus colony which i really recommand and also Lasius niger. Both are not a specially hunting ants.
I am going on a next level with having Formica Sanguinea.