3 replies to this topic

[Ants_Texas]

My Pogonomyrmex Barbatus colony is all messed up right now. I moved them out of their old container once they had two workers, because conditions weren't stable. I moved them into a 5x5x5 inch acrylic box, which was way too small for them and they refused to dig, instead just tending to their brood in a corner. After that I moved all of the brood, workers, and the queen into a test tube setup safely. I've noticed the queen doesn't like to stay put, and likes to forage for food. Is this okay? Its pretty much like role reversal, queen forages while the workers tend to the brood.

[AntsMaryland]

Personally, I don't think that is an issue. As long as the queen is laying eggs and maintaining the colonies' brood supply than I see no problem. Although, try feeding them more protein as this could help with the queen tending to the brood. But all this means is you have to be particularly careful when cleaning and doing work in the "outworld". Best Regards!

[Ants_Texas]

Personally, I don't think that is an issue. As long as the queen is laying eggs and maintaining the colonies' brood supply than I see no problem. Although, try feeding them more protein as this could help with the queen tending to the brood. But all this means is you have to be particularly careful when cleaning and doing work in the "outworld". Best Regards!

Thanks. This is strange behavior, but now that they have three workers I've noticed all of them stay in the tube.

[Canadant]

Those lazy kids!!!