8 replies to this topic

[ponerinecat]

I had a small colony of these ants, 3 workers and a decent pile of eggs and a few larvae. But this morning argentine ants broke through and killed all the workers and brood. The queen was being swarmed and had both antennae clipped off. I managed to rescue her. I doubt she will live, but I'm starting this journal to experiment with ways to keep crippled queens. Feeding will be difficult, as she has no antennae.

[AntsAreUs]

Once an ant loses its antennae they just stop doing things entirely. I'm not sure how this would work with a queen though.

[ponerinecat]

I honestly think the argentines target the antennae. There's not even stubs left.

[ponerinecat]

Somehow, she managed to find the honey in the tube and drank all of it. I have to clean the tube after every feeding though, as she smears it all over. Not sure how to feed her protein. It's kind of sad watching her.

[CatsnAnts]

Aww... that’s so sad! I hope she makes it! If she gets workers, they will care for her! Best of luck!

[ponerinecat]

Yeah, she stumbles around and can't tell there's a plastic wall in front of her.

[KBant]

Just put her out of her misery. Make it quick. Boiling hot water or a quick stomp. She is not going to make it. Ants use their antenna to smell, and she will probably eat any eggs she lays because she won’t be able to smell them as being part of her own colony.

[ponerinecat]

I don't expect her to, I just want to see what happens. 

[ponerinecat]

Forgot about this. She made it for a few weeks, drinking honey every half week. Eventually she curled up in the corner and died despite having a full gaster.