ANTSTORE World of Ants

[AstroAmbitions]

Hey guys. I had a search around the forum to see if I could find some answers to some questions, but I couldn't quite come to a conclusion as to how I should start looking after my new lasius niger colony. I've recently purchased a Queen and 11-25 workers and they should be arriving any day now, so I'm looking for some tips to make them as comfy as possible.

To start, I recently caught a queen lasius niger and she's currently living in a standard test tube configuration with a very healthy pile of eggs! My first question regarding this ant was what foods to feed a single queen. As I understand, she doesn't actually need feeding until the first workers are born, but wouldn't it be better give her some protein at least?

The next question will apply to both colonies and is in regards to hibernation. I've read that this species should be in hibernation from October through March, so my question is: would it be ok just to leave them in a cold shed, protected from other predators and with a small food supply? So no cooling systems, just the outside weather to keep them cool. Should I check them every so often?

My last question involves how best to escape proof my formicarium. I have a basin that I purchased from the Ant Store that would be perfect for this species, but as they can climb up the walls, I dont think the lid will be enough to keep them in, especially for the smaller first generation of workers, and I also don't have any of the stuff you place round the top of the lid to stop them from escaping. Are there any home based ingredients that would stop them from getting out?

Thanks for reading and apologies if these questions have been answered elsewhere, but this is my first post and I'm moderately new to these forums!

Astro

[TheSecretSquirrel]

***This is mostly based off what I have read on this, and other forums***

First of all, I would not feed the queen until she has her first worker(s), as by opening the tube to give her something, you may just stress her out. She might not eat the food, and it may become a pain to remove ( mold might also form on it ). So just leave her be until she has her first worker(s) ( let her have water though )

I don't know about the hibernation, but I guess they would be fine in a shed, as outside these ants live through the winter ( and the rainy summer ).

For escape proofing, the lid will be good, but for a extra layer of protection, but some grease, or Vaseline ( Not sure, but I read that other people have used Vaseline ) around the top of the basin. That should, along with the lid, stop them from getting out

Good luck with them, and keep us updated with how they are doing

-Squirrel

[AstroAmbitions]

Hi Squirrel!

Thanks for the reply. I see what you mean about leaving food in the test tube with her, she hasn't been interested in it so far. I presume it will only go moldy if left in there so I have taken it out. For the time being ill leave her alone in a dark warm place where she can peacefully look after her massive pile of eggs. I can't count them accurately, but I would say she has laid around 30+ eggs on her first batch so I'm hoping they hatch before I put her into hibernation!

I'm thinking about making a diary out of these ants. I'll hopefully be able to take some really nice up close pictures with a new macro lens. Thanks again for the help!

[TheSecretSquirrel]

Would love to see some pictures of that egg pile

-Squirrel

[Catman1976]

Good luck with the L. niger queen Squirrel. I picked up four queens last night.

[AstroAmbitions]

Hi again!

Even though I have kept this species before I just can't get enough of them! I've noticed overnight that this colony has had another 6 larvae enclose into pupae! This should take the population to well over 20. Another interesting thing I've noticed is that a queen with a few workers tends to become more agitated when disturbed than the other queens who currently have only eggs. Perhaps it has something to do with the smaller workers releasing panic pheromones that are picked up by the queen and making her stressed. Interesting. If this colony grows anymore I might consider making it a diary. I have a new (and very expensive ) new camera, so I should be able to take some good macros!

-Astro