I need to know about this ant species I have no idea what species it is. I live on Kootenay Lake in British Columbia Canada and this colony has all of a sudden begun losing workers. The workers are only 2 weeks old and as you can see they have moved into their outworld.  If you could help me identify this species that would be great! Thank you!

Edited by antsriondel, November 29 2022 - 6:56 PM.

Are they being hydrated? What are you feeding them?

I doubt anyone will be able to give you an accurate identification without a better picture. If you could get one of the queen's whole body, and shine sunlight directly on the ants, that would help. That said, from the large initial batch of workers and size difference between queen and workers I would guess that they are Liometopum and therefore Liometopum luctosum, the only species of the genus in British Columbia. If they do not already have food, water and a sugar source like honey or sugar water then I would suggest giving them that immediately. Any liquids you feed them should be soaked into cotton to keep the ants from drowning.

If they have moved into the outworld ask yourself: How is the outworld different from their test tube? If the tube is more moist or less moist that could be it. If there is mold in the tube that could be it. 

Offer them a fresh tube keeping in mind what they have shown you about what they need by fleeing the tube. 

ok. I have been feeding them honey, maple/apple syrup and I have replaced their old tube yesterday. also I think you are right about the species but I also wonder why they have a  different coloration. thanks for the info

here is a better picture;

The queen's body structure looks like Liometopum as well, so go with that. They grow quickly but need a lot of protein, water and sugar. I'd suggest that you get your colony insects and make sure they have constant access to sugars.

Edited by TestSubjectOne, July 26 2021 - 4:11 PM.

ok thanks

also how often do I feed them? every 2 days? every 4 days?

You should adjust your feedings based on their needs. More frequent feeding is better, but takes effort. I feed each colony of mine weekly, with more or less food based on their size.  With this genus you can expect them to grow quickly as long as they have access to a lot of food, so keep that in mind if you want to limit them or quickly get a large colony.

I want them to grow fast because this is right now my biggest ant colony so should I feed them every 2-3 days??? oh and last night I fed them their first bit of protein; a spider leg

feed them as much as you can (small amounts consistently) and judge the frequency they accept that food – adjust your frequency and intensity of feedings based off that.

Ok.  I'll feed them again today and see how they accept the food.  Thank you!

Edited by antsriondel, July 27 2021 - 7:12 AM.

my ants are doing better they are more active and have started to explore the test tube. thanks for all your guys help!!!

my ants have moved into their test tube if you want a picture just tell me and I will do it. thanks for all your help!!

my ants lost another worker yet I've been feeding them constantly. please help me identify what is wrong. thanks

Edited by antsriondel, August 8 2021 - 6:41 PM.

If you aren't already, they should have constant access to sugars in their outworld. With this genus especially it is vital that they are allowed to constantly have access to sugar and water. If they do then I would say to not worry too much about deaths. Workers should be able to survive with access to sugar and water as long as they aren't experiencing lethal temperatures, disease, age or injury. Some will still die for seemingly no reason - nanitics are especially short lived and frail. If they have brood they will easily replace their losses. From what you said I'm not sure if you have more brood yet but if not you should try feeding them more (Liometopum eat a lot more than they seem like they will, I cannot emphasize this enough) and heating them by putting them in a garage or buying a heating source. Never leave ants in direct sunlight.