4 replies to this topic

[VictorianAntParty]

So I set out this year to actually try and capture Camponotus pennsylvanicus queens but ended up having literally THE WORST time trying to catch any queen ants all year. I finally gave up about a month ago and figured this wasn't the year for me to start up my first any colony and left it to  that, they Saturday happened. I walked out of work to a swarm of ants, young queens covering the ground with wings ripped off their backs. I felt like maybe this was mother nature throwing me a bone and finally giving me some ants, not the species I wanted but perhaps the species I needed as a newbie ant keeper. I caught up 6 queens and eagerly set up their tubes to start their colony. Then I went on the search to see what species they are. It's confirmed they are Lasius Neoniger and I read they will not start laying until next year in the spring. That leaves me to question, I know I will have to hibernate them for 3 months so they can keep on their natural cycle and lay eggs in the spring but what do I do for care now? Can I feed the girls in their tubes? I can't imagine they will have enough energy stored up for up to 8 months and still lay eggs so I assume I need to feed them up until the 3 month hibernation. I was totally expecting a species that would get right to the laying asap rather than have to wait until spring to have eggs and larva to fawn over. Until spring I just want to set my girls up for the best going into hibernation and then coming out of it ready to lay. 

[Major]

Here's a care sheet. Also, my Lasius Neoniger layed, and it's her first year. Depends on how late you catch her.

http://www.formicult...asius-neoniger/

[dermy]

If they do not lay and you wish to hibernate them, you can easily get away with just 3-4 months, not the whole 8 month Winter period! 8 months might not make them last a lot [they can but they will need to feed when you wake them up].

[VictorianAntParty]

Thanks, that was kind of what I wanted to know since they hibernate normally before they lay and since I got them already at the end of August I don't think they will lay eggs. I was afraid they would not make it a full 8 month hibernation since naturally in my state it's virtually winter from October to sometimes May. 

[ANTdrew]

You're lucky, bro!

I really would like to find one of these queens. If I live in Virginia, should I expect them a little later than Labor Day?

 

                         -Andrew