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Camponotus Queen-in the fall

Started By AntRealm , Oct 10 2025 1:40 AM

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#1 Offline AntRealm - Posted October 10 2025 - 1:40 AM

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Hi everyone!
I found a Camponotus queen on the ground in early autumn — I think she might have missed the nuptial flight.
It’s been about 15 days now, and she still hasn’t laid any eggs or removed her wings.
Do you think she might be unmated?

Edited by AntRealm, October 10 2025 - 1:41 AM.

#2 Offline cooIboyJ - Posted October 10 2025 - 7:45 AM

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There's a good chance she's unfertile, but I would keep her just in case she is fertile, because there is always a chance.


Edited by cooIboyJ, October 10 2025 - 7:45 AM.

The ants go marching.

 

Currently keeping:

Brachymyrmex patagonicus

Nylanderia vividula

Forelius pruinosus

#3 Offline ANTdrew - Posted October 10 2025 - 11:16 AM

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Camponotus colonies evict unmated queens from the colony once fall approaches. This queen is likely a nest reject and unmated.
"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#4 Offline AntRealm - Posted Yesterday, 3:09 AM

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Camponotus colonies evict unmated queens from the colony once fall approaches. This queen is likely a nest reject and unmated.

Does she have a chance to mate next year?(I don’t think she does)

#5 Offline ANTdrew - Posted Yesterday, 5:42 AM

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No, sorry.
"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#6 Offline bmb1bee - Posted Yesterday, 11:52 AM

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While the queen retaining her wings might be an indicator of her being infertile, the fact that she flew in autumn really doesn't, depending on where you live. Several Camponotus species in my area wait until the months of September through November to fly. Not really saying that the ones in your area are the same, but I'm just bringing it up because not all Camponotus species work the same way.


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