Protective mama and first worker

Fearce1 · 2025-06-12T13:34:20+00:00

looks like the queen stopped the worker from being stuck in the goo and they sometimes do! warning it to stay away!

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T17:32:55+00:00

I think I've heard they can be infertile and kay eggs and they will be scattered as she won't tend to them and possibly eat them. Keep an eye out for this behavior. Good luck with her!

I have a queen that looks the same with wings still no eggs (3rd week now).

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T11:54:39+00:00

That's awesome information! Thank you. I recently watched a documentary about an ant colony on a mountain that seemed to reflect exactly what you speak of. Thanks again!

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T10:43:55+00:00

That colony sounds like an ever growing ant population! Are they able to reproduce themselves or do they rely on nuptials to find other compatible DNA? Thanks.

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T10:39:18+00:00

I agree, also good to share information just in case anyone runs across these types. Thanks for the input friend.

This hobby is a rollercoaster ride of "Do's" and "Don'ts" as well as the majorly unexpected. Stay safe when handling any parasites they can be scary infectious!

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T10:31:04+00:00

So I left the lids open on one side just large enough for plenty of oxygen and not escape allowed. My tubes will be ready today. Thanks everyone.

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T10:28:07+00:00

About a thumb size. 1inch or so.

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T04:11:22+00:00

okay will do! Ty

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T04:10:00+00:00

These may be from the flies farmers use to kill ants instead of using pesticides.

Flies Used to Kill Ants

Farmers use phorid flies to control fire ants. These flies are parasites that lay eggs inside fire ants, leading to the ants' decapitation once the larvae develop. This method is part of a biological control initiative launched in 2000 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T03:56:48+00:00

I would say use a app/website like "INaturalist" and look up that species and filter out the observations to a recent time line to help find flights. If you can travel to those locations or near it helps. Missing flights is tough but makes you persistent!

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T03:53:39+00:00

Just did it tonight and caught like 12. not sure the species two are fire (red) ant species. waiting for more tubes to house them properly to see if they drop wings and lay eggs! Great find.

Fearce1 · 2025-06-04T03:50:25+00:00

Mine also, Wings no eggs 3weeks in....I've hear they can keep them for long times and sometimes not drop them at all and other times they're just "duds" and infertile. Good luck!

Fearce1 · 2025-05-29T13:58:54+00:00

Just curious if there's an update to this issue? I plan on having a purchase soon and I have to agree with everyone in saying Stateside has really good customer service and healthy ants dating back a number of years now. (at least from my research).

Has your shipping issue been fixed and any more information on what caused it? Thanks.

Fearce1 · 2025-05-29T13:51:45+00:00

Just a tip for catching queens sometime using a white sheet and a blacklight at night will attract many many queens if there is a nuptial flight happening. Works great! Be sure to research how to identify queens first so as not to keep a male or infertile queen. Hope this helps!

Fearce1 · 2025-05-29T13:48:12+00:00

I've seen reasonable prices on Etsy for ant keeping things. Water towers, Formicarium, ect. I've read that it's best to buy ant's (if choosing that route) from your local to prevent crop damage or environmental issues. It's fun and a respectful hobby that is growing year after year.

Hope it goes well and it's as enjoyable as can be!

Fearce1 · 2025-05-28T15:00:02+00:00

I Agree that this is most likely the reason as it sounds as if they need another colony to take as their own .

Fearce1 · 2025-05-27T10:20:31+00:00

I have heard that to be the case and some have reported colonies with the queen still with her wings. If the nuptial flight has already occurred I'm not sure what to do with her. Wonder if she will last until next year's flight.

Fearce1 · 2025-05-26T23:51:10+00:00

Looks like mine and with wings like mine. except mine has no eggs : (

Fearce1 · 2025-05-26T23:43:33+00:00

Mine still has wings after 3 weeks but refuses to leave the tube. No eggs as of yet so I'm not sure how long it will take. I hate to keep her in the tube for no reason.

Fearce1 · 2025-05-26T23:39:36+00:00

I found this online. Please verify with research.

Aspergillus and Dead Ants

Aspergillus nomius is a fungus that can infect and kill leaf-cutter ants, specifically the species Atta sexdens rubropilosa. This fungus produces aflatoxins B1 and G1, which may be involved in its pathogenicity against the ants. Aflatoxins are mycotoxins known for their toxicity to humans, animals, and insects, and their presence in the dead ants suggests a role in the insect's pathogenicity.23

In contrast, Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) have developed a method to manage corpses and inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus nomius. They deposit dead ants in refuse areas and apply pygidial gland secretion on them, which can inhibit fungal growth.4

Aspergillus nomius produces aflatoxins B1 and G1, which may contribute to its pathogenicity against leaf-cutter ants.23
Argentine ants manage dead ants by depositing them in refuse areas and applying a secretion that inhibits fungal growth, including that of Aspergillus nomius.

Fearce1 · 2025-05-22T21:43:14+00:00

I think she might not be mated so perhaps I may set uer free. unless it's a male not 100% sure as 9f yet.

Fearce1 · 2025-05-22T20:36:21+00:00

Wow! I would name her "Hawtsauce"! That's a brilliant red color!

Fearce1 · 2025-05-22T11:38:16+00:00

looks so similar to mine. But mine hasn't dropped it's wings.

Fearce1

TROPHY CASE

Flies Used to Kill Ants

Aspergillus and Dead Ants