6 replies to this topic

[Cenos]

I have a new colony. when I feed them the queen always comes out to investigate. Is this normal?

[Shaye]

How large is said colony? In my experience, sometimes you get a queen that will do that until the colony grows to a decent size.

Edited by Shaye, August 7 2017 - 7:37 PM.

[Cenos]

queen cought around the end of May. I have 12 workers now

[Shaye]

I wouldn't worry too much about it as long as the queen produces still. Once the colony grows more, the workers will keep her from going in and out.

[Cenos]

Ok thanks I have lots of larve and eggs. I just thought it was funny that she come and tries to help take down food

[BMM]

I've noticed that my Camponotus queens seem very receptive to "hand feeding". I use a syringe to put drops of sugar water in their test tubes and the queens always rush to the entrance of the test tube to feed directly from the syringe. Since I really only disturb them when it's time to feed, they might associate the disturbance with food. Perhaps you're experiencing something like that. It's similar to how fish learn that someone coming up to the tank means it time to eat.

[Connectimyrmex]

My C. Nearcticus queen often ventures in the outworld. She is often the only one to catch live food (the largest worker just chills in the tube)