2 replies to this topic

[AmazingNature]

Wild carpenter ants and eggs;but(potentially)no queen;

 

will they produce a new queen; or eventually all die off?

 

So yesterday I found (Camponotus I think-based on size and color

they were black and red)

 

And I only saw them for an instant-as it was unexpected when I found them

I then put the stick back down,so they wouldn't relocate(hopefully) until I could research more and return.

 

So it was a branch with workers/eggs ...

but after reading last night;

I now think it's a what is called a"satellite" nest; 

so most likely no queen,

 

I think it's a satellite nest based on size/location. 

 

Found inside an 8 inch long x 3 inch circumference stick/branch,

on undisturbed bank w/exposed/sandy loose soil, in sun,near a tree line,in a park.

(I'm thinking partial sun exposure was for brood temps/eggs)

 

SO...Question 1- 

can/will they hatch a queen from the eggs?

 

if they can't...

 

Question 2-

will they accept a queen if I find, or buy one?

Edited by AmazingNature, May 21 2023 - 1:49 PM.

[AntsCali098]

Question 1: no

Question 2: depends on species, probably not

[ANTdrew]

There most likely is a queen somewhere else. A satellite colony is just an outpost from a main colony. In any case, please do not collect them. Learn how to find new queens after flights.