You did it—you’ve caught yourself a queen ant! Whether it was through careful planning or sheer luck (let’s be honest, sometimes it’s both), you now hold the key to a future ant empire. But what comes next? Taking proper care of your new royal is essential, and her needs will vary depending on whether she’s a fully claustral queen or a semi-claustral queen. Let’s break it down.
1. Identify the Queen’s Founding Type
Not all queens are created equal. The first step is figuring out if your queen is fully claustral or semi-claustral—basically, whether she’s the stay-at-home type or needs regular food deliveries.
- Fully Claustral Queens, like Camponotus consobrinus (banded sugar ants), don’t need food during the founding stage. They’re the ultimate prep queens, packing enough energy reserves to raise their first workers (nanitics) without stepping outside.
- Semi-Claustral Queens, such as Myrmecia species (bull ants), need to forage during the founding stage. These queens prefer to snack while they work—kind of like us when we’re stressed.
Not sure which category your queen fits into? Check local guides or use our Species Guide for detailed information on Australian ant species and their founding habits. We’ve got you covered!
2. Prepare a Test Tube Setup
Think of the test tube setup as your queen’s royal chamber. It’s simple, effective, and gives her everything she needs to settle in. Here’s how to roll out the red carpet:
- What You’ll Need:
- A test tube (or similar clear tube)
- Cotton balls
- Water
- Add Water: Fill about one-third of the test tube with water. Don’t overdo it—you’re making a cosy palace, not a water park.
- Secure It: Plug the water with a cotton ball to keep it in place, ensuring no leaks while maintaining humidity.
- Move Her In: Gently introduce your queen to her new home and seal the open end with another cotton ball. Remember: queens prefer peace and quiet, so avoid shaking or loud noises.
For a more detailed step-by-step guide, check out The Perfect Test Tube Setup for Queen Ants.
3. Feed Semi-Claustral Queens
If you’ve caught a queen from the Myrmecia genus (bull ants), congratulations—you’ve got a semi-claustral queen who loves the finer things in life. She’ll need food like small insects (e.g., mealworms or fruit flies) and sugary treats (e.g., honey diluted with water). Place a small amount of honey along with the insect on a tiny piece of foil inside the test tube, near the entrance. Be sure to replace the food every 1-2 days to avoid mould or contamination—your queen deserves a fresh buffet! No judgement if you feel like a room service provider—she’s worth it. Learn more in The Ultimate Ant Feeding Guide.
4. Pick the Perfect Spot
Your queen’s new home should be in a dark, quiet, and warm location. Ideal conditions include:
- Temperature: Keep it around 24–28°C.
- Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight, as it can stress her out (or worse, cook her).
- Noise and Vibrations: Think library-level quiet. Ants don’t vibe with bass drops or stomping feet.
Pro tip: A drawer or covered shelf works wonders.
5. Patience is Key
Let’s be honest—it’s tempting to peek in on your queen every 10 minutes to check her progress. Don’t. She’ll do her best work when left alone. Limit disturbances to once every week or two to ensure the water supply is sufficient and her stress levels stay low.
- Fully Claustral Queens: In a few weeks to months, you’ll see her first workers emerge. It’s like watching her dreams come true!
- Semi-Claustral Queens: Keep supplying food until her first workers arrive to take over.
6. When to Move the Queen to an Outworld
Your queen’s test tube setup is her temporary home, but she won’t stay there forever. The timing of when to introduce an outworld depends on whether she is fully claustral or semi-claustral:
- For Fully Claustral Queens (e.g., Banded Sugar Ant – Camponotus consobrinus)
- Leave the queen in her test tube setup until her first workers (nanitics) have arrived and are actively foraging.
- This typically takes 4–8 weeks, depending on species and temperature.
- Once the first workers are present, you can connect the test tube to a small outworld—a separate container where the ants can explore and forage.
- Offer food in the outworld while keeping the test tube attached, so the queen and her brood feel safe.
- For Semi-Claustral Queens (e.g., Bull Ant – Myrmecia sp.)
- Since these queens require food from the beginning, they can be introduced to an outworld earlier, usually after a few days in the test tube.
- A simple, small outworld will allow them to forage while still having access to their test tube nest.
- Ensure the outworld has secure walls and ventilation to prevent escapes.
Regardless of species, don’t rush the move—a stressed queen can abandon her brood if she doesn’t feel secure. A gradual introduction to an outworld helps the colony adjust at its own pace. Learn more in Moving Your Queen Ant from the Founding Stage to a Formicarium.
7. Mind Your Fingers
Some Australian queens come with a bite or sting that can pack a punch—Myrmecia queens, we’re looking at you. Handle her with care:
- Use tweezers or tools to minimise direct contact.
- Be gentle when moving the test tube to avoid injuries or stress.
7. Know the Rules
Before you collect queens, make sure you’re not breaking any laws. In Australia, capturing ants may be restricted in certain areas, especially national parks or protected zones. Always do your research and respect the environment.
Conclusion
Catching a queen ant is just the beginning of an incredible journey into ant-keeping. By understanding her species, providing the right setup, and giving her space to thrive, you’ll soon see your hard work pay off. Whether it’s bull ants, banded sugar ants, or another amazing Australian species, you’re now well on your way to building a thriving colony. Who’s the queen now? (Hint: It’s still her.)
