Uncletommy: stolen ants (1. Jul 2008 00:00)

i accidentally opened up a massive (and when i say masssive i mean 3 metres square) lasius niger nest when replacing some paving slabs outside and there were about 500 cocoons in a chamber, i took about 40 cocoons to boost my numbers. Some of the cocoons hatched today and winged males are emerging.....will these pose a problem at all to my queen?

miszt: (1. Jul 2008 01:53)

No, but they will be a drain on the resources of your colony

3 Meters is not very big for a wild Lasius niger colony, they often span 15m+ with many satilite nests :)

highered: Cocoon identification (1. Jul 2008 11:36)

Small white cocoons the size of workers contain the workers. Slightly or alot bigger darker more browny coccoons contain either a winged male or winged female. When these cocoons are put together it is easy to tell the difference.

marc.tulley: (1. Jul 2008 16:52)

yeah my male rubra just sit around doing didly squat all day.
occationally they scramble over workers , like squirm around on one for a second then run after and do the same to another....
whats that all about?
he horny?

Uncletommy: (1. Jul 2008 17:44)

some interesting behaviour. The workers are killing all the winged males. dragging them out of the nest and taking their wings. All the workers are kept. Oh and that was a big nest, 3 metres of eggs and queens is a lot

JimmyVe: (2. Jul 2008 14:34)

@ marc: No probably he is just begging for food.

@ uncletommy: yes they will kill the males, they are not strong enough to keep them well fed so they are better of without them.

marc.tulley: (2. Jul 2008 21:58)

you are a wise one jimmy , thanks mate