6 replies to this topic

[AntRealm]

Early in the fall, I observed mating flights of Solenopsis sp. in a small area and collected three queens. After a month, none of them have laid eggs, and although I’m sure they mated, two of them have died and only one remains. I’ve provided all necessary conditions, including humidity and temperature, but I still don’t know why this is happening. Can anyone tell me the reason why they’re not laying eggs?

[cooIboyJ]

Early in the fall, I observed mating flights of Solenopsis sp. in a small area and collected three queens. After a month, none of them have laid eggs, and although I’m sure they mated, two of them have died and only one remains. I’ve provided all necessary conditions, including humidity and temperature, but I still don’t know why this is happening. Can anyone tell me the reason why they’re not laying eggs?

How often are you checking on her? Are there any vibrations? Is it completely dark? She might be eating all eggs she lays or just not laying eggs because of stress.

[AntRealm]

Early in the fall, I observed mating flights of Solenopsis sp. in a small area and collected three queens. After a month, none of them have laid eggs, and although I’m sure they mated, two of them have died and only one remains. I’ve provided all necessary conditions, including humidity and temperature, but I still don’t know why this is happening. Can anyone tell me the reason why they’re not laying eggs?

How often are you checking on her? Are there any vibrations? Is it completely dark? She might be eating all eggs she lays or just not laying eggs because of stress.

She isn’t very stressed.
I don’t check on her often, and when I do, I make sure not to cause any vibrations.
My other queens are growing well under the same conditions.

Edited by AntRealm, Yesterday, 10:13 AM.

[cooIboyJ]

Might have bad genetics or the males she mated with had bad genetics, resulting in some problem with fertility. My only guess is she is infertile, but someone more experienced might know more.

[ANTdrew]

Many species that fly in the fall need to overwinter first before laying eggs. This could be another possibility.

[Ants_Dakota]

Many species that fly in the fall need to overwinter first before laying eggs. This could be another possibility.

Solenopsis molesta don't tend to do well in groups smaller than 3 queens, and at minimum will lay eggs after diapause as they are less confident in their ability to survive.

[bmb1bee]

Early in the fall, I observed mating flights of Solenopsis sp. in a small area and collected three queens. After a month, none of them have laid eggs, and although I’m sure they mated, two of them have died and only one remains. I’ve provided all necessary conditions, including humidity and temperature, but I still don’t know why this is happening. Can anyone tell me the reason why they’re not laying eggs?

What kind of setup is the remaining queen in? What is the temperature? Sometimes queens won't lay eggs if it's not warm enough. It's also possible that there were either pesticides in the area or the queen's genetics were just messed up like what someone above said.