5 replies to this topic

[Olga]

Is it okay for a couple of workers to live without a queen or is it too cruel ?

I feel like a slow murderer for keeping 5 workers without a queen in a nice formicarium 😭
Talking about L. niger.

[dermy]

Welcome to the forum. I know plenty of people who keep queenless colonies. They don't last long but they can be a good "hmmm is antkeeping right for me" without having to feel too bad about killing/hurting a queen/colony. With 5 Workers though it might not be very interesting and they won't eat much so don't overfeed them, a small drop of honey solution or something else will suffice for awhile.

[BMM]

I managed to keep about a dozen Tapinoma sessile workers alive for 9 months without a queen. They still ate and foraged like a normal colony, so I wouldn't label it as cruel. I do agree that it's good practice though. Better you kill a few workers in error than an entire developing colony.

[Hikari]

Plus, maybe you'll get lucky and run into a parasitic Lasius queen later who may need some queen-less workers? You never know.

[Olga]

Oh wow, amazing news 💗

Thank you a lot, I was starting to feel really bad 😂

Cheers 💖

[Shareallicu]

I have one worker living alone right now.   I feel sorry for her, but I'm not going to kill her on purpose. I just figure she is enjoying her quiet retirement lol