3 replies to this topic

[txboi2583]

hi I'm new to all this and was wondering how long till a queen lays eggs? And how to tell if she has? And how long should i wait till i should replace her if she doesn't lay eggs? Here's a little info all three are Solenopsis invicta the first i found last Wednesday spent 5 day in a small Tupperware dish waiting for a founding formicarium from tar heel ants and has been in there almost a week. the other two spent a week in tupperware dish also waiting for founding formicarium and have been in theirs since Wednesday. I but them under a heat lamp and are at about 81F, Any info would help. 

Edited by txboi2583, March 11 2016 - 3:29 PM.

[Ants4fun]

I would not keep them under a heat lamp that is bright. It will not be dark enough and they won't feel secure. Solenopsis invicta are usually very fast at brood development so it shouldn't take long. I don't suggest you replace a queen unless your shure she is infertile. Many have had queens that appear to be duds but them have workers the following year.

Edited by Ants4fun, March 11 2016 - 6:50 PM.

[txboi2583]

So will keeping them dark help I have a heat mat that would be used for reptiles would that work

[dermy]

To be honest, a queen will lay eggs when a queen lays eggs, could be tomorrow could be next month. It's hard to tell you exactly when she will lay eggs. Eggs are pretty easy to see, usually they are white and she will be tending to them/carrying them. Just keep her warm [not too hot] and dark [it helps a lot, so don't be checking on her 50 times a day] I'd say leave her be for the first 2-3 Days. With Solenopsis invicta your colony should take off in no time