15 replies to this topic

[Buckets]

So I made a post earlier today with a false queen, which I deleted. Now I finally have a Nylanderia queen from the park today.

 

I ended up going to the park and sure enough in this moist dirt area there was at least 5-10 holes there, all of the same species crawling out of it.

I scooped a big amount of dirt out of one, and sure enough a queen came running out, it was interesting because two workers immediately jumped on her and tried carrying her back or somethin.. maybe trying to protect her.

Questions

What conditions are best for this ant?

What's the best food? ( I have crickets and mealworms, and maple syrup atm which hopefully is fine. )

Will she still lay eggs even though it was an established queen?

Since it was an established queen, I took 10 workers from the hole as well to help her out, I'm pretty sure dumping them in should be but I know they're going be upset.

 

Sorry about all the newb questions, I just want to make sure I care for the ants the best I can.

 

Here's a picture for all who's interested:

 

Edited by Buckets, March 28 2017 - 7:31 PM.

[Vanko]

You destroyed a whole colony ... 😐

[Buckets]

You destroyed a whole colony ...

I didn't destroy a whole colony, I literally dug 4 inches down if that and a queen came out, there were hundreds of ants, I'm guessing they had multiple queens

[Vanko]

Guess and know are 2 completely different words + some species could reach few thousands workers but they still have only one single queen!

[Buckets]

Guess and know are 2 completely different words + some species could reach few thousands workers but they still have only one single queen!

I understand that, but is it likely she was the main and only queen a few inches deep in the ground? There were holes with the same species all around for about 50 feet

Edited by Buckets, March 28 2017 - 9:00 PM.

[Vanko]

Digging colonies is bad!

[endervale]

don't dig up colonies please, even if in nature poliginity is more common you can still destroy colonies, and doing so you're destroying an entire little ecosistem! 

Edited by endervale, March 28 2017 - 11:48 PM.

[Nathant2131]

If you want to start a colony by catching a mature queen, it's going to have a LOT of problems and will be impossible to raise it without catching as many worriers from that colony as possible. Even then, it is really tough to get an already mature colony going.

If you want to raise this as a colony, go back and collect as many workers possible from that colony. Not sure if 10 will cut it.

I suggest being patient and wait for a flight in your area. Will pay off. 

Edited by Nathant2131, March 29 2017 - 11:12 AM.

[Leo]

oh noes digging up civilizations are bad bad, if the little countries are invasive good for you kill em all

[Alabama Anter]

Digging colonies is bad!

Oh my god! Nylanderia have multiple queens in one nest, AND like he has mentioned if they had one queen, she would be VERY deep down. Please do not pointlessly argue for a point that you do not even understand. I am sorry if this came out as rude, but for real, there are many views and sides for one 'problem'

[Runner12]

Yeah I don't see a problem with collecting a small portion of a polygynous colony if you aren't destructive to the whole. Particularly if it's a common species.

To the OP, I would go back and collect some more workers though.

Edited by Runner12, March 29 2017 - 11:10 AM.

[Buckets]

Alright thanks for the help, I gave them syrup but I'm not sure what insects they'do like. They seemed to like the syrup

[Runner12]

Not terribly familiar with that species but mine all like boiled and frozen waxworms. You could try fresh crickets or flies too

[Alabama Anter]

For small species, fruit flies tend to be their prime choice.

[Martialis]

 

Digging colonies is bad!

Oh my god! Nylanderia have multiple queens in one nest, AND like he has mentioned if they had one queen, she would be VERY deep down. Please do not pointlessly argue for a point that you do not even understand. I am sorry if this came out as rude, but for real, there are many views and sides for one 'problem'

 

 

Please don't attack people for being ignorant when you yourself were so not too long ago.

[Alabama Anter]

Digging colonies is bad!

Oh my god! Nylanderia have multiple queens in one nest, AND like he has mentioned if they had one queen, she would be VERY deep down. Please do not pointlessly argue for a point that you do not even understand. I am sorry if this came out as rude, but for real, there are many views and sides for one 'problem'

 
Please don't attack people for being ignorant when you yourself were so not too long ago.

Mart, please note that attacking ME, will not fix MY problems. Also, note that when you criticize me you are just cluttering up the thread. Thanks!