I think my queen is dying :(

[preddy]

Hello

A couple of days ago I was in my garden and I noticed that one of the colonies in my garden were doing their mating flight. I decided to see if I could find a queen to maybe start off a new colony, I managed to find one and I put her in a spare tub that I had lying around. for the few days that I've had her she seemed really healthy. But it wasn't until today shes hardly moving at all shes just sitting there with her antennas not moving at all

When I gently touch her to see whats going on she will only move her front legs for a few seconds then stop again. I hope that she isn't dying because I've just brought a glass tank for her from ant store and I can't seem to find any more queens out in my garden Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

[Wood~Ant]

Hi Preddy and welcome

It sounds like either you may have a very laid back queen who is maybe waiting to lay eggs, or she is a weakling who may not have survived in the wild
Either way you will just have to hope she does rear brood, as without her having workers to help, her colony founding may well be doomed.
Sorry to sound negative about it, but for your sake I hope it doesn't turn out a failure

Have you kept her warm enough, and is she in damp soil/sand, as this may improve her chances?

[preddy]

Hey Wood, thanks for the reply

Yes I do have soil in the tub and it is damp, but yea I think it is a bit chilly for her, where do you suggest I put the tub? Oh and also I just went outside and saw a swarm of ants on my patio and there all huddled together, should I see if they mate and get a queen from there instead?

Thanks.

[Jenny]

If you can find some more newly mated queens it is always best in case things don't work out with your existing queen. But, do keep them separate though from your existing queen and each other.

Make sure they have their wings unhooked also, and if you don't know what the species are, make a mental note of their description like colour and size etc so it may give us an idea when you post here.

Place the tub in a room that may catch some warm sunshine, or in an airing cupboard, (family members permitting of course )

Ours usually catch some warm sun during the day being in the spare room, and the more delicate species are in the airing cupboard for the winter, but you do have to remember their level of dampness more.

For all you very young newbies, do remember parents are not always understanding of keeping ants, especially amongst their store of sheets so ask them first

[Jaikaiman]

Both of my queen Lasius Nigers (Black Ants) conserve their energy by remaining still for long periods. Lets face it, if the queen was to keep active, she may not survive long enough to raise her first brood. I think she will probalby by fine...good luck!