2 replies to this topic

[JillionsMillions]

I have a Camponotus Modoc colony that I took out of hibernation this year March 1st. They went from 6 workers to 40+ very quickly, it was awesome. 

 

Then the queen laid about 60 more eggs and none of those have developed. They are all tiny and just larva from what I can see. It has now been over a month and a half with no change. My other Camponotus laid at the same time and her eggs are all hatching right now, so it's really weird. 

 

I have a heating cable through the set up and feed them regularly with fruit flies, crickets and a mixture of fruits and maple syrup watered down. Honestly they aren't very picky and will eat most everything I give them. 

 

Half of the eggs they have in a tube with a heating cable, the other half are in the tube connecting to the outworld. There are usually a couple of ants in the outworld but the rest of the colony is typically very inactive. This is my first ant colony so any advice would be appreciated.

 

I almost think they are showing signs of wanting to go into hibernation but it's July? Which makes no sense to me. But the queen is super inactive and constantly shoves herself against the cotton.

 

Thanks!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[AntsBC]

Hey there,

From what you have described, it sounds like the colony is just tired.

Going from 6 - 40 workers would be quite strenuous on the Queen and the workers who have to forage and take care of the brood. Then, laying another 60 eggs; that’s definetly enough to do the queen in.

I find that after a colony goes through a insane growth period like this, they tend to go through an inactive state afterwards. Don’t worry, it’s completely healthy and normal. Everyone needs a break once and a while.

I would suggest to make sure the colony is getting as much healthy food and carbohydrates as possible while they’re in this state. Once they are all rested up, they should go back to normal and resume brood develop.

Good luck,

AntsBC

[RushmoreAnts]

Everyone but fire ants....