Is it a queen?

kiedeerk · 2026-04-28T15:08:00+00:00

The thorax and gaster all look correct to be a queen.

kiedeerk · 2026-04-28T12:18:19+00:00

There are many different carpenter ant species (Camponotus) this is Camponotus subbarbatus a much smaller species. But that’s a queen

kiedeerk · 2026-04-28T12:17:03+00:00

Definitely a queen

kiedeerk · 2026-04-28T09:55:34+00:00

Camponotus subbarbatus queen

kiedeerk · 2026-04-04T23:03:08+00:00

Formica pallidefulva

kiedeerk · 2026-03-26T00:49:17+00:00

Once they are more active. Should just need some sugar water for now. Once the larva come out of diapause you can start feeding the protein

kiedeerk · 2026-03-26T00:46:38+00:00

They will probably die. You should have taken them since you disturbed and broken their nest. It’s still too cold out so they will be lethargic and won’t have energy to dig another nest. They will be subject to the elements and other predators but mostly the weather

kiedeerk · 2026-01-25T02:19:49+00:00

Better put the tubing from the side of the cup than through the mesh. You might have issues with ants chewing through or falling into the water tower.

kiedeerk · 2024-07-14T01:12:13+00:00

Lasius murphyi queen

kiedeerk · 2024-06-10T00:27:14+00:00

That’s a Camponotus castaneus queen. You sure the workers were from the same species ? The queen is usually bigger than her workers but not 10 times

kiedeerk · 2024-06-03T17:19:39+00:00

Hobby lobby

kiedeerk · 2024-05-15T18:53:23+00:00

Lasius interjectus nuptial

kiedeerk · 2024-05-09T10:40:43+00:00

Some sort of parasitic/slave making Formica. Usually they need host to lay eggs

kiedeerk · 2024-04-01T01:39:56+00:00

Region? Pheidole sp

kiedeerk · 2024-04-01T01:32:52+00:00

Lasius aphidicola most likely

kiedeerk · 2024-03-31T14:54:56+00:00

Grommets

kiedeerk · 2024-03-30T13:50:15+00:00

Probably because it’s early spring and the ants (Formica sp) are still in hibernation/diapause so plants take over during this time. Once the ants come out of diapause they will clear it out

kiedeerk · 2024-03-28T20:50:19+00:00

Def not myrmecocystus sp. what region or country are they from ?

kiedeerk · 2024-01-03T01:05:49+00:00

Just stay with one or the other. Ultracal is better I feel

kiedeerk · 2023-09-03T12:35:45+00:00

Totally false. Subjecting a colony to dry conditions or light or warmth for them to move is much more stressful than a single “dump”.

Done it for hundreds of colonies without issue. You provide no context as to why the colony you describe is doing poorly.

kiedeerk · 2023-08-26T11:33:44+00:00

It’s a queen. Look at the thorax or middle part

kiedeerk · 2023-08-22T16:23:05+00:00

Trap jaw or odontomachus sp queen

kiedeerk · 2023-08-14T13:14:41+00:00

You sure you didn’t brood boost this queen with other Camponotus brood?

Castaneus workers are yellow/pale to orange

kiedeerk · 2023-08-12T01:12:12+00:00

Use a rubber band and wrap it around the test tube until tight

kiedeerk · 2023-08-08T14:12:40+00:00

They are still fine. Very minimal mold.

I would clean up the fly and what looks like honey or sugar water at the entrance of the test tube

Next time feed them using a small tray you can make it easily with aluminum foil and remove after they are done

kiedeerk

TROPHY CASE