I was out gardening and found an ant queen that just mated. I know nothing about any keeping but I kept her and decided to learn about it. She hasn't laid any eggs yet but should start soon. Hopefully I'll have a ant colony in a few years :cheesy:
Interesting. Out of curiosity, how do you know it is a mated queen?
Quote from: The15thMember on May 14, 2020, 09:32:06 PM
Interesting. Out of curiosity, how do you know it is a mated queen?
Usually when they break off their wings then it is mated. I'm gonna have to wait and see if she lays any eggs to be sure
Quote from: The15thMember on May 14, 2020, 09:32:06 PM
Interesting. Out of curiosity, how do you know it is a mated queen?
Really funny because right after I sent that I checked on her and she was laying an egg :cheesy: the little yellowish thing in her mandibles is an egg
Wow, that is amazing! What are you keeping her in?
Quote from: The15thMember on May 14, 2020, 11:44:48 PM
Wow, that is amazing! What are you keeping her in?
I have her in a test tube that simulates a claustral chamber with some water like in the image below
Xerox -
Can you explain the advantage of keeping ants? Would you be raising them in a glass house so you can observe the chambers?
Quote from: Seeb on May 15, 2020, 09:19:03 AM
Xerox -
Can you explain the advantage of keeping ants? Would you be raising them in a glass house so you can observe the chambers?
I think keeping ants could be a lot of fun and I'll find enjoyment in watching a ant colony grow from just a single queen to thousands of workers. Yes I'm planning on buying a setup where I can see the chambers and the brood.
Very cool. In case you haven't seen Alex Wild Photography - you might enjoy this https://www.alexanderwild.com/Ants
Quote from: Seeb on May 16, 2020, 08:53:11 AM
Very cool. In case you haven't seen Alex Wild Photography - you might enjoy this https://www.alexanderwild.com/Ants
Yeah I've seen it. He's a great photographer
Quote from: Xerox on May 16, 2020, 11:37:22 AM
Quote from: Seeb on May 16, 2020, 08:53:11 AM
Very cool. In case you haven't seen Alex Wild Photography - you might enjoy this https://www.alexanderwild.com/Ants
Yeah I've seen it. He's a great photogrspher
Seriously amazing.
Update: She has 5 eggs now!
Congratulations! Do you know if she's a carpenter ant?
Quote from: Seeb on May 16, 2020, 06:59:31 PM
Congratulations! Do you know if she's a carpenter ant?
I'm pretty sure she's a carpenter ant. Not so sure of the species I'm thinking it might be pennsylvanicus