A queen ant is the primary reproductive female in an ant colony. She is responsible for laying eggs and ensuring the survival of the colony.
Queen ants can be caught during their mating flights, during spring and summer. Use a test tube setup with a water-soaked cotton ball and a small entrance for easy capture.
It can take several weeks to a few months for the first workers to emerge, depending on the ant species and environmental conditions.
It’s best to minimize disturbances during the founding stage. Check on her every week to avoid stressing her.
Transfer the queen and her first batch of workers to a small, outworld setup when the test tube becomes too crowded. Make sure to provide a water source and food.
No, avoid this – you could easily damage the eggs or stress the Queen. In times of extreme stress she can eat her eggs.
The queen lays eggs, which hatch into larvae. The larvae pupate and develop into adult workers. The colony grows, and the workers take over various tasks.
Yes, you can gradually introduce larger setups to accommodate the growing colony. Ensure the new environment has enough space, food, and water.
Signs include a lack of activity, sluggish behavior, erratic movements, or a decline in egg-laying. Seek advice if you notice these symptoms.
It’s normal for a queen to pause egg production occasionally, especially in colder weather. Ensure she has a stable environment, proper nutrition, and low stress.