3 replies to this topic

[Antsinmycloset]

While waiting for a certain colony's nuptial flight last Saturday, I caught a wandering Camponotus pennsylvanicus queen. Everything I read suggest this is a couple months late, but given how wet Kansas' summer was, I'm not seeing a reason for a postponed flight. Would a late nuptial flight or a displaced/infertile queen be more likely? Would that answer change her feeding requirements?

I primarily concerned with if her needs would be any different than a queen caught in July; feed after nanitics present, hibernate in November, ect. I'm skeptical she'll thrive and would rather not stack the deck against her with my ignorance.

[iXvXi]

All aspects of caring for your queen would be the same. I don't suspect a different fertility rate either. Generally if conditions required for nuptial flightto take place, then surrounding colonies of that same species would also fly.

The removing of the Queens wings are a good indication she's fertile, but many fertile Queens keep their wings as well. Sometimes the only way to tell is put her in a test tube and wait.

Edited by iXvXi, September 19 2016 - 4:28 PM.

[benjiwuf]

A small bit of honey water might also be a good idea in case she did try to start a colony previously. However that's an optional thing. If she did fly recently then she has everything she will need.

[Antsinmycloset]

Sounds good, thank you both. I forgot to mention it, but yes, she lost her wings before I found her.

I'll offer some honey water when I see how she's adjusting in two or three weeks. Fingers crossed.