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Pheidole queens not laying eggs.

Started By Aidanthielman , Feb 4 2020 9:35 AM

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4 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Aidanthielman - Posted February 4 2020 - 9:35 AM

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59 posts

LocationSan Diego California

I have a colony of pheidole californica colony with 7 queens and around 50 workers. The queens aren’t laying any eggs though and the workers are just sitting around. I have offered food and honey water but they only drank a little of the honey water and ignored everything else. Is there a reason for this strange behavior?

#2 Offline Manitobant - Posted February 4 2020 - 9:41 AM

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2,901 posts

LocationWinnipeg, Canada

Maybe its because they're trying to hibernate. Some California species take an egg laying break in winter and some have a full on hibernation, your case is probably the former.

Somethinghmm likes this

My journals:

Polyergus Mexicanus: https://www.formicul...gs/#entry175528
Lasius minutus: https://www.formicul...cs/#entry174811
Lasius latipes: https://www.formicul...gs/#entry206449
General acanthomyops journal: https://www.formicul...yops-with-eggs/

#3 Offline Aidanthielman - Posted February 4 2020 - 9:45 AM

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59 posts

LocationSan Diego California

Thank you. I’m not gonna bug them, but I will check on them every now and then and provide honey and other sweets.

#4 Offline kgollehon - Posted February 4 2020 - 11:46 AM

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45 posts

LocationWestwood

I agree that they may be trying to hibernate, all of my ants get a bit quiet until spring comes around. I’d just give them a sugar water feeder so that they have access if they wake up for a late night snack per se.

Colonies: Tetramorium sp., Solenopsis xyloni

Put an end to hate, go green, vote left! Peace

#5 Offline Vern530 - Posted February 24 2020 - 4:28 PM

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245 posts

LocationTexas

i have mine on heat at 88 f(only one part of nest so they have a cool side as well) and give them bug protein(meal worms diced up) and crushed sunflower seeds and i have noticed a huge boost in brood since i did that.hope this helps