2 replies to this topic

[Saltynuts]

I live close to Houston.  In the evenings I go walking/jogging.  I bring a couple of test tubes with me, with water filled up half way behind a cotton ball.  I see queens (well, female alates at least).  I put them in the test tube, seal it with another cotton ball, then put it in a dark place when I get home.  I was told they are the type that needs no food until after a few workers hatch.  So I just let them sit.

 

I have several now.  However, not a single one seems to be laying any kind of eggs after several days.  They are all in the test tubes, all in the dark.  By contrast, I had previously purchased a queen with brood from an ant farmer off antscanada, and it has laid eggs that have hatched into several workers.  Another queen I bought from him seems to be laying eggs, but they never hatch.  I assume she is infertile.  But if she is infertile, and still lays eggs that will never hatch, what are the other ones that are not even laying eggs?

 

Thanks for any thoughts! 

[Saltynuts]

In all cases they've lost their wings by the way.  Thanks!

[Spamdy]

Hello from Houston! First of all your eggs that are not developing may be because they are waiting for "summer" to arrive, try placing them on top of a heating cable or moving them to a hotter place. Secondly, living in Houston, I see what you are experiencing, around here there are many queens that seem to be fertile, wandering around without wings, I find queens that have a gaster that faces down and is small like a Pogonomyrmex queens, are likely infertile, Fertile queens, I find seem to have longer bigger gasters similar to Dorymyrmex queen gasters. This information is only regarding S.invicta based on my own observations. Hope this helps!