6 replies to this topic

[PTAntFan]

I have a really great colony that was just going awesomely.  I have about 50 workers and several majors.  It is really cool.  But alas, the queen suddenly died yesterday or was killed.  Not sure.  I have multiple other queens with much smaller colonies from the same nuptial flight.  Do you think I could save this colony by introducing a new queen? 

[Crystals]

I saw a documentary where "fire ant" colonies would merge to produce a larger colony, then kill off excess queens.

They may accept the new colony if they realize that they are queenless.

 

There is always a chance they will fight or kill with any species.  I suspect the workers themselves may squabble, you could put two workers together, just be ready to separate them.

[drtrmiller]

Incipient colonies will readily accept a new queen. Yours having majors, however, lends doubt as to the biological age of the colony.

Normally, older orphaned colonies will only accept overwintered queens whose ovaries are more mature.

You can try introducing workers between the two. If there is aggression, the queen will be no different.

[PTAntFan]

All the ants I have of this species came from a midsummer flight this year.  So, I'm not sure if that qualifies for the type of biological age of colony you're referring to.  They haven't lived a full year even. 

 

These colonies have had some interactions already and none of them have culminated in fighting.  In fact, I would say when I've observed workers encountering each other it's difficult to determine a difference from two ants in the same colony interacting.  Unscientifically, I'd say the interaction is shorter like "Who are you? Oh, not my colony but not a threat.  Goodbye."

 

I'll do some worker tests first I guess.  Anyone have an opinion on placing the smaller colony with queen into the orphaned colony's outworld vs the other way around?

[drtrmiller]

I'll do some worker tests first I guess.  Anyone have an opinion on placing the smaller colony with queen into the orphaned colony's outworld vs the other way around?

 

Yes, that would be the best way.  If there is no aggression, one will be absorbed into the other.

 

Note that this does not generally apply to other ant species.

[PTAntFan]

These little buggers got loose and nuked one of my fledgling Pogonomyrmex colonies.  Happened quickly too.  Overnight they assaulted a nearby formicarium and by the following day they had completely taken it over.

 

Now the major problem is the new formicarium isn't designed for species this small and they are coming and going at will, running amok all over my desk.  Gah!

[Alabama Anter]

Lol