My queen is picking at the cotton at the exit. Should I be worried about this?I'd say it's either Camponotus novaeboracensis or Camponotus herculeanus. Definitely Camponotus though.
For antkeeping purposes it doesn't really matter, care is exactly the same - the main difference is that C. novae will slow down (and finally stop) growing after it has a few thousand workers, while C. herc will really ramp up brood production in year 3-4 and over the following years grow into the tenthousands.
Yes, pretty much all Camponotus species are very polymorphic.
There's only a few rare species that lack majors (the biggest worker class).
I'm not exactly sure..But it might mean she is uncomfortable and wants to get out..My queen is picking at the cotton at the exit. Should I be worried about this?
If you find nothing wrong, then leave her alone in the darkness.I'm not exactly sure..But it might mean she is uncomfortable and wants to get out..
Check the test tube to see if there is something wrong.
No, that's normal for Camponotus queens. They often pick pieces from the dry cotton to make themselves a place to poop (later the workers will use the cotton to weave garbage into some sort of fabric).My queen is picking at the cotton at the exit. Should I be worried about this?
Thanks!No, that's normal for Camponotus queens. They often pick pieces from the dry cotton to make themselves a place to poop (later the workers will use the cotton to weave garbage into some sort of fabric).
Just cover the tube and give her a month or two in a calm place.
congratulation!Just today I captured a fertile Queen and I would like some advice. How much food should it get? What temp should it be in? Thanks