The queen is the heart of the colony. She lays every egg, and everything you do is meant to keep her healthy and calm. Here is how to care for a queen on her own and in a growing colony.
A founding queen needs peace
Most ant queens found a colony alone in a sealed chamber. She lays her first eggs, raises the first workers from her own body reserves and does not need to eat until they appear. This is called claustral founding. Ant keepers copy it with a test tube that has a water reservoir blocked by cotton.
- Keep the tube in a dark, quiet place at a steady temperature.
- Do not open the tube, and avoid shaking or moving it.
- Do not feed a claustral queen before her first workers appear.
- Check from a distance, without bright light and without handling.
Some species found differently, for example by feeding while they raise the first brood. Always check the care notes for your species.
Feeding after the first workers appear
Once workers appear, they take over foraging and feeding. Offer a sugar source (sugar water or diluted honey) and protein in small pieces such as pieces of insect. The workers feed the queen and the larvae. The larvae need protein to grow into workers.
Keeping the queen healthy
- Stable temperature. A queen is more sensitive to drastic changes than workers. See temperature and humidity.
- Moisture without flooding. Keep a moisture gradient so that she can choose.
- A winter rest, if the species needs one. For cool-climate species a rest is part of a healthy life cycle. See ant hibernation and winter rest.
- Minimal disturbance. Moving a nest, tapping the glass or opening it often stresses the colony.
How long do queens live?
Quite a long time. Queens of the black garden ant, Lasius niger, are reported to live up to 29 years, which is the longest recorded lifespan of any social insect. Ant-keeping sources report 15 to 20 years for the giant forest ant, Dinomyrmex gigas. Workers live much shorter lives, from months to a few years depending on the species.
One queen or several?
Many species have one queen (monogynous), for example Lasius niger and Messor barbarus. Others, such as Messor structor, often have several queens (polygynous). Do not mix queens or colonies unless the species care notes say it is safe, because ants from different colonies fight.
Frequently asked questions
Should I feed a new queen?
Not if she is a claustral founder and is sealed in her tube. She lives on her own reserves until her first workers appear.
What if my queen stops laying?
A pause is normal in winter and after disturbance. If the temperature or humidity is wrong, correct it slowly and leave the colony alone.
Can I keep a queen without workers?
Yes, many ant keepers start that way. It takes longer to see results, but it costs less and is a good way to learn.
Not sure which colony is right for you?
Tell us about your experience, your space and the climate at home, and we will suggest species that fit. You can also explore the Ant Atlas or browse the shop.