ANTSTORE World of Ants

[jeoff82]

Hi all, bit of a weird one this. I was in the garden this evening refurbing some alloy wheels for my car when all of a sudden a wingless queen ant wanders past me on the step I was working on. Now isnt this a bit strange as you dont normally see queen ants this early in the year. I know the weather has warmed up a bit but its still very early. Im thinking me sanding down my wheels has disturbed her nest or something?! Pretty baffled but I have taken her in, was thinking shall I put her straight in my fridge? Also she is pretty small for a queen ant so I was thinking she is a yellow ant queen.

[tail__]

It is possible you damaged her cell where she hibernated. To identify, try to make a photo.

[Phasmid]

I sometimes see this too, maybe the queens decide that the site is not suitable afteral or another animal chased it out of its cell.
Don't put her in your fridge, all the ants near me are awake and actively foraging so too late for hibernation, she should be ready to start laying.

[jeoff82]

What do you suggest? Keep her at room temp now in a test tube?

[JimmyVe]

I also think you disturb her hibernation. Its early for them to wake up now.

[SteveUK28]

ive seen lots of ants around in the garden.. not no queens tho.. in fact the only time i ever see queens is mating season... I think if it was me id put her back near where u found her.. she may already have brood.. even workers.

[damondeionno]

It's not that difficult to identify Lasius flavus queens from Lasius niger. The underside of Lasius flavus queens have a much more pale colouration than the top. Lasius niger queens are usually the same colour all over.