4 replies to this topic

[Retaw]

Greetings i have read that other people's camponotus queen also do the "cotton pulling" but mine has had this set up for a week, and she hasn't laid eggs , but the cotton is really messed up ( you will see in the photo). My question is, is she trying to escape because she doesn't like the enclosure, or is that just the way they do it?
Thanks in advance, and have a great day!

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Edited by Retaw, June 14 2023 - 4:37 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Almost all Camponotus queens do this. 

[rptraut]

Hello retaw;
To stop cotton pulling I wrap the cotton in light cloth (like T-shirt material) and then insert it in the test tube like a plug. I trim it with scissors once inserted. Air can still pass through and no more pulling cotton. I also find it easier to remove and reinsert for feeding when nanitics arrive.
RPT

[Retaw]

Thanks for the replies!
So yesterday i put on cooking paper some honey , and today the honey was gone (hopefully she ate it), but not only that, she finally laid 4 eggs! I suppose she was hungry.
I have another question again: should i put more food or just leave her now till her 1st worker then to offer her some food?
Thanks again for the advice!

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[Virginian_ants]

I also found that putting soil in the test tube stops then from pulling at the cotton. Good luck with your queen!