Multiple queens stopped laying eggs

[PwnerPie]

Hi,
I have 5 different formica colonies, between 20 and 70 workers each. All of them stopped laying eggs about 60 days ago. The colonies are doing great, eating very well and in a warm environment. There has been no die off or anything, maybe an ant a week dies(at most) but that is expected. The last pupae hatched 2 weeks ago.

I have started feeding them protien every day, used to only feed them protein twice a week, in hopes that it will cause egg laying. Im not sure why they are not laying eggs!
My Myrmica and camponotus colonies are still laying eggs.

Why aren't my formica colonies laying any more eggs?

[MorbidBugg]

Question what's your sugar schedule like? I noticed that you mentioned feeding proteins. Which is important but sugars are important for egg laying perhaps they need a shot of energy.

[idahoantgirl]

Actually sugars keep the brood and queen alive, but protein is required for egg and brood development.

[PwnerPie]

Feed them honey atleast once a week. Generally only give them more once they finish whats in there. But they always have available sugar

[idahoantgirl]

It could also be that your fully claustral queens just get stressed from the food your giving them. The very best thing to do is to stop feeding them, removing all food, and leaving them in the dark, undisturbed for two weeks (no peeking) Camponotus is very susceptible to stress, so I really think this is the very best thing to do.

[PwnerPie]

It could also be that your fully claustral queens just get stressed from the food your giving them. The very best thing to do is to stop feeding them, removing all food, and leaving them in the dark, undisturbed for two weeks (no peeking) Camponotus is very susceptible to stress, so I really think this is the very best thing to do.

I am only referring to already established colonies, my young colonies are still laying eggs. In fact, my young camponotus colony has a giant pile of brood with new eggs and has an enclosed major! Very excited for that one! .

Only referring to my established formica colonies. I wonder if something i am doing is good for other species but not formica? I cant think of what it would be. Still no new eggs for any of the formica species