4 replies to this topic

[AperturePrime]

I collected 5 Formica Fusca group queens 6 weeks ago. Three weeks ago I found out that construction has started next door. They have been driving piles, shaking my building. I have isolated the test tubes as best I can but they still have no eggs. When should I expect my ants start laying if at all?

 

[ANTdrew]

You could try hibernating them to see if they will lay after that, but six weeks seems too long for them not to have already laid eggs. My Formicas even get workers by six weeks. Are they warm enough?

[AperturePrime]

They have been kept at ~22-26C. My Tetramorium Immigrans have been perfectly happy being kept in the same conditions. I was more worried about the vibration, the building was shaking pretty violently, it felt like a magnitude 3 or 4 earthquake.

[ReignofRage]

Those temperatures are a bit cool for F. fusca-group species, however the vibration disturbances are not helping whatsoever.

[Manitobant]

formica subsericea queens in my area always hibernate before laying eggs. Id recommend sticking em in the fridge if i were you.