Post by kalistes on Sept 3, 2014 2:28:17 GMT
I have a soil nest with a fairly large Myrmica rubra colony in it. I only collected this nest a few weeks back. I work in pest control and the nest had relocated inside one of my rodent bait stations! Having spotted this on my previous visit to the customer, I took the necessary equipment to move it on my next visit such as plastic tub, soft brush, cooking oil to paint around top of tub (and brush!!!).
Anyway, the colony was relocated into a soil set-up and settled in well. I've noticed the last few days though that one of the queens is up on the surface a lot. She seems to be collecting her own food and water too. Never seen this before with my other rubra colonies (queens have left the nest for very short periods but never for long)
I was wondering, could it be one of the winged alates? There were a few males and females in the colony) do they ever lose their wings without mating? The other ants aren't bothering her or molesting her in any way, just seems odd that she's not down in the nest attending her royal duties
Anyway, the colony was relocated into a soil set-up and settled in well. I've noticed the last few days though that one of the queens is up on the surface a lot. She seems to be collecting her own food and water too. Never seen this before with my other rubra colonies (queens have left the nest for very short periods but never for long)
I was wondering, could it be one of the winged alates? There were a few males and females in the colony) do they ever lose their wings without mating? The other ants aren't bothering her or molesting her in any way, just seems odd that she's not down in the nest attending her royal duties
