16 replies to this topic

[Justicarab]

one of my queens laid some eggs, around 3 weeks ago, almost 4. the eggs look exactly the same size. is that normal. i wouls have imagined that they would almost be pupae by now.

[Alabama Anter]

Before u tell us that question we need to know what species it is

[Kevin]

Possibly infertile.

[Goldsystem]

They may not hatch until after hibernation

Edited by Goldsystem, October 16 2016 - 12:11 PM.

[Justicarab]

the species is solenopsis invicta. infertile queens still lay eggs?

[Canadian anter]

Chicken eggs don't expand because of a protective shell. Ants also have a protective shell. Go figure

[MichiganAnts]

we need to know where are you located? if you are in a temperate area its most likely due to hibernation

[Justicarab]

we need to know where are you located? if you are in a temperate area its most likely due to hibernation

i live in texas, i keep the ants at a consistant temperature of 78 f do i need to stick her in the fridge to hibernate?

[T.C.]

Just give them more time, I have a camponoutous pennsylvacius queen, and her larvae look the same they did 3 weeks ago.

[CaptainRedBeardd]

I have kind of noticed the same thing in my Pogonomyrmex Rugosus queen here in Texas.. But, it's only been about a week and a half so, I'm still hopeful! haha.

[Justicarab]

I have kind of noticed the same thing in my Pogonomyrmex Rugosus queen here in Texas.. But, it's only been about a week and a half so, I'm still hopeful! haha.

ya, i'm kinda hoping a i could atleast get a first gen workers before they have to hibernate.

[CaptainRedBeardd]

 

I have kind of noticed the same thing in my Pogonomyrmex Rugosus queen here in Texas.. But, it's only been about a week and a half so, I'm still hopeful! haha.

ya, i'm kinda hoping a i could atleast get a first gen workers before they have to hibernate.

 

I'm just hoping my eggs are fertilized at this point..haha

[Mdrogun]

Just give them more time, I have a camponoutous pennsylvacius queen, and her larvae look the same they did 3 weeks ago.

Camponotus pennsylvanicus larvae stay at a certain size when they are ready to hibernate. it sounds like this is what's happening here.

[Justicarab]

do i need to put my queens in hibernation? do i stick them in the fridge?

[T.C.]

 

Just give them more time, I have a camponoutous pennsylvacius queen, and her larvae look the same they did 3 weeks ago.

Camponotus pennsylvanicus larvae stay at a certain size when they are ready to hibernate. it sounds like this is what's happening here.

 

haha,yeah, that's what loops told me in the chat room, guess i'll be feeding the queen heavy and putting her into hibernation.

[Crystals]

To the best of my knowledge Solenopsis invicta do not overwinter brood, if they even truly hibernate at all.

 

78F should be good, but do keep in mind that the first batch of eggs do develop more slowly than later ones since the queen is working solely off of her own reserves. The eggs themselves may have less nutrients since the queen may have not eaten well before laying them.

 

Development at 78F will take longer than in the wild considering what I see of the Texas forecast, so just be patient. I have seen many people over the years comment that their Solenopsis colony took forever to take off, but once it did they wished that it would slow down (and stop trying so hard to escape the foraging area). If it helps, most of my local species take much longer for the eggs to hatch.

 

You can try feeding her a very small drop of sugar water or a squished fruit fly.

 

It is impossible to tell if a queen is fertile until the brood developes into workers (fertile) or alates (infertile).

[Justicarab]

To the best of my knowledge Solenopsis invicta do not overwinter brood, if they even truly hibernate at all.

 

78F should be good, but do keep in mind that the first batch of eggs do develop more slowly than later ones since the queen is working solely off of her own reserves. The eggs themselves may have less nutrients since the queen may have not eaten well before laying them.

 

Development at 78F will take longer than in the wild considering what I see of the Texas forecast, so just be patient. I have seen many people over the years comment that their Solenopsis colony took forever to take off, but once it did they wished that it would slow down (and stop trying so hard to escape the foraging area). If it helps, most of my local species take much longer for the eggs to hatch.

 

You can try feeding her a very small drop of sugar water or a squished fruit fly.

 

It is impossible to tell if a queen is fertile until the brood developes into workers (fertile) or alates (infertile).

very useful information. now i got an answer, thank you so much.