4 replies to this topic

[DEAD_DOG]

I recently caught 2 camponotus modoc queens and was considering trying to put them together into one colony but am not sure whether they will get along or not. I caught both of them within short succession of each other, and was letting them crawl around on my arm a bit. At first, they didn’t seem to bother or mind each other but after a minute or so, they were sort of grabbing onto each other’s mandibles. I wasn’t sure if this was showing aggression or not, but I split them up to be safe and have had them in separate containers ever since. Advice?

[bmb1bee]

Nope, they're strictly monogynous. Only one queen per colony.

[RushmoreAnts]

I second this. Camponotus queens especially (with some polygynous exceptions like some vicinus and Myrmentoma sp.) are VERY aggressive towards other queens of the same species, modoc included.

[DEAD_DOG]

dang that's too bad, oh well guess ill either juggle 2 colonies or sell one lol. thanks

[RushmoreAnts]

dang that's too bad, oh well guess ill either juggle 2 colonies or sell one lol. thanks

If you want polygynous Camponotus, from what I've heard vicinus aren't hard to find if you know the right places. There are practically unlimited numbers of Californian ant keepers on this forum you could reach out to on the subject.