Camponotus Nicobarensis dual Queens..

[Deleted]

As I've mentioned before on other posts I am going to be starting a C . nicobarensis colony. Often in the wild they can have multiple Queens, I would like to have a couple of Queens. The question is, do I have to buy two Queens, without workers to start the colony OR can I introduce a queen to an already developed colony and finally if I buy two Queens with workers and then put them sin the same tank will they work together or just fight? Sorry for the ramble

Max Baker

[Deleted]

I do believe that queens from a polymorphic colony only "join forces" for a few days after their nuptial flights. Sometimes, virgin queens may leave the nest during the nuptial flights to mate and then may return to the mother colony as an egg layer.

I do not think that introducing a single queen into a mature colony would work as the workers would almost certainly see her as a threat and attack, nore do I think you will have much sucsess when attempting to merge two young colonies.

I think they only way in which it may work (but still very risky!) would be to buy 2 single queens and introduce them to each other. If they show any signs of aggression put them in the fridge for 10 minutes. I am not promising that this will work, infact the chances of it being a sucsess are very slim, but I think it is your safest option. Alternatively you could search for a multi-queened colony to buy.

Best of luck!

[Deleted]

Just as I thought with them being rather expensive I don't really want to risk buying two unless I know 100% It will work. Not to worry. It's not like they're short on brood production, ice read numerous times that they can produce up too 1400 workers within the first year of colony life

Max Baker

[Deleted]

Wow! ;D

I think that is the most sensible idea, all the best!

[Deleted]

Cheers

Max Baker