Ant Queen

Donovan J · May 13, 2020, 11:08:58 PM

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

The15thMember · May 14, 2020, 09:32:06 PM

Interesting. Out of curiosity, how do you know it is a mated queen?

Donovan J · May 14, 2020, 10:44:57 PM

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

Donovan J · May 14, 2020, 11:29:40 PM

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

the little yellowish thing in her mandibles is an egg

The15thMember · May 14, 2020, 11:44:48 PM

Wow, that is amazing! What are you keeping her in?

Donovan J · May 15, 2020, 12:24:08 AM

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

Seeb · 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?

Donovan J · May 15, 2020, 11:44:12 AM

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.

Seeb · 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

Donovan J · 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 photographer

The15thMember · May 16, 2020, 11:52:43 AM

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.

Donovan J · May 16, 2020, 02:47:28 PM

Update: She has 5 eggs now!

Seeb · May 16, 2020, 06:59:31 PM

Congratulations! Do you know if she's a carpenter ant?

Donovan J · May 16, 2020, 07:06:26 PM

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