ANTSTORE World of Ants

[Uncletommy]

I received a Camponotus ligniperda Queen around mid june, there were two workers with her. The test tube they came in had cotton halfway down it but no water behind it. I place the tube into a small basin and added a small water reservoir that i keep topping up with water. The workers have completly sealed up the entrance to the tube with sand and they sit there over the big pile of eggs. I have a few questions....firstly, they are at room temperature, should this be increased with a heat matt because i have one but am not sure if it will overheat them?
Secondly, The eggs that are in the tube dont seem to be developing much.... how long does this species take to go from egg to worker?
Thirdly, As they have sealed the tube, do they not need water? The queen is very fat so i assume she'll be fine?

[highered]

I have some of these. They always need access to water eg damp cotton wool. I personally use a heat mat on them. You will see them love the heat if you put some on them. I don't know how long the eggs take to develop but it is longer then Laisus niger.

[mpir]

@Uncletommy

The eggs you write about are probably small larva and they will most likely develop next year after hibernation. This is how most of the Campos behave.

Put a second tube in the arena or basin where you keep them with water behind the cotton. If they will want they will move.

I wouldn't use heat mat if I were you as you don't know how properly was the queen hybernated.

[JimmyVe]

You can use a heat mat but these species don't need it. Like mpir said. I would wait until next spring to give them extra heating. Make sure there is always a place for them where it is cooler.

[Uncletommy]

it did cross my mind that because my house is very cold that they were in a state of hibernation. They move very slightly and slowly. This is a bit annoying as i want to see them develop. how long should i hibernate them for, whats the minimum term? can i just do it for 3 months and bring them out by keeping the temp constantly higher?

[highered]

I think so. Mine are happy enough not hibernating, it is the middle of summer after all.

[Uncletommy]

well in that case i'll try and put the heat matt on. Leave them a cool area to go to if they want. I'll see if they perk up a bit

[JimmyVe]

The best period for hibernation is the winter off course.
Put them in hibernation from November till March.

Good luck.

[Uncletommy]

Well i added a heat matt and im glad i did. Litterally the minute i turned it on there was immediate activity. The workers started forraging and eating the insects and the queen began tending to the brood. It was like flicking a light switch. Cheers for the advise