Lasius Niger

[af4545]

Hello everyone,
Exactly a month ago today i collected a good few lasius niger queens. They have been living in a test tube setup since then. I noticed eggs were laid on the second/third day, however, a month later they appear to look almost exactly this same. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?
Thanks

[orangeant]

Are the queen's kept in a dark, warm place? Also, make sure the cotton is pushed in enough that the water can come through it.

[af4545]

Yeah I'll check the cotton. Also, they're definitely dark enough but how am I supposes to keep them warm without a heat mat. Would it be ok to put a hot water bottle in the drawer with them and change it a couple times a day. Thanks

[af4545]

Are the queen's kept in a dark, warm place? Also, make sure the cotton is pushed in enough that the water can come through it.

Also they're very inactive

[orangeant]

Yeah I'll check the cotton. Also, they're definitely dark enough but how am I supposes to keep them warm without a heat mat. Would it be ok to put a hot water bottle in the drawer with them and change it a couple times a day. Thanks

Lasius Niger do fine at room temperature (~24°c), but might appreciate a small boost every now and then.