4 replies to this topic

[nofuel11]

I just found my first queen ever 48 hours ago, a camponotus pennsylvanicus. I've checked it twice by shining a flashlight in for 5 seconds (once per day) and it's been standing upside down on the lid. She's very much alive, her feet shuffle around a bit and antennae are actively moving. Is this normal? Or is it a sign that something about the container isn't right? 

 

My only (amateur) guess is that the humidity level is too high, as I've read this species isn't fond of high humidity. And I know I should not check it once per day. I'm just so concerned and excited at the same time.

 

I've put it in one of these containers: https://tinyurl.com/4546uh9k(Amazon link) - size is 2.5" wide x 2" long, and 1.5" deep. Also put a moistened round cotton pad on one side, so the "bottom" of the container is half cotton, half bare dry plastic. 

[Manitobant]

Get her a proper test tube setup instead of a plastic container.

[nofuel11]

Update: just did my daily check-in today and as of today (day 3) she's no longer on the ceiling!!!!!   Grateful to see her sitting on the "floor" of the container, looking quite lively.

 

Now that I know she's not destined to be permanently standing on the ceiling, I feel less anxious so will immediately stop the daily checking. I thought finding a queen was the hardest part but now I am certain that NOT CHECKING my ant is definitely the most difficult part of this!

 

 

Get her a proper test tube setup instead of a plastic container.

 

Good point, but now that she's no longer on the ceiling, i'm so afraid of stressing her out with another move lol. I found 2 more camponotus p. queens yesterday (3 total) and have put those into test tubes. I was experimenting with this 1st one in a little container based on a youtube video that suggested this method. Will continue with this 1 mini container and 2 test tubes to see how it works out. 

[nofuel11]

Update:

She's now consistently sitting normal on the "floor" of the container (so she's no longer choosing to be upside down) and......she laid an egg!!!! 

I thought I had a defective upside down queen but so happy that she's completely normal!! 

[JoeByron]

You should buy Hydro-stone mix and put a small amount on the bottom of the containers. https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can do a slightly different version of this: 

 

They work just as well as test tubes imo. They cost more though, and require more attention. And you can't get a bag of 50 for 10 bucks.... But they do provide a better view

Edited by JoeByron, June 11 2022 - 12:00 PM.