5 replies to this topic

[Lazarus]

I hear more and more how for some species the way to acquire queens after a nuptial flight is not to just look for scurrying queens but to find founding chambers and dig them up.

But what are the characteristics that identify these founding chambers? Other than a 'small hole' and perhaps discard dirt/debris are there any other telltale signs?  Does anyone have good photos to look at?

 

Thanks.

 

 

[ZTYguy]

Under important topics the topic that says how to catch queens had pictures. That would be a good spot but for some species you have to chop open logs but that will come later.

[M_Ants]

[Lazarus]

Under important topics the topic that says how to catch queens had pictures. That would be a good spot but for some species you have to chop open logs but that will come later.

Under the "How To Find And Catch Ant Queens" topic, there are a number of broken links for pictures under the "Foundling Chamber" section of that post.

 

Drew also posted "Founding Chambers"  but that only has one picture.

 

More pictures would be nice but I'm also curious if there are other traits to be aware of. For instance, is close proximity to water common? Would elevated areas be more likely than flat areas? Do they always go 'straight down'?  Do some carry the debris further or do they always dump right next to their hole?

[Kaelwizard]

 

Under important topics the topic that says how to catch queens had pictures. That would be a good spot but for some species you have to chop open logs but that will come later.

Under the "How To Find And Catch Ant Queens" topic, there are a number of broken links for pictures under the "Foundling Chamber" section of that post.

 

Drew also posted "Founding Chambers"  but that only has one picture.

 

More pictures would be nice but I'm also curious if there are other traits to be aware of. For instance, is close proximity to water common? Would elevated areas be more likely than flat areas? Do they always go 'straight down'?  Do some carry the debris further or do they always dump right next to their hole?

 

I doubt this helps much, but you can find some species under rocks. That is where I find many Aphaenogaster queens. I have found a Camponotus queen under a rock that was on wood chips. Start by researching different species habitats.

[dspdrew]

I forgot I made that thread. I also made this years ago. It might help.

 

https://www.formicul...ounding-chamber