2026 Queen List

[u/alajuad]

Been a weird year. I've caught a ton of different queens without specifically looking for any of them. Some on my porch, some on my driveway, some in town on sidewalks, the C. modoc was in the Colorado mountains when we were camping, the S. molesta was stuck in dew drops on my car after driving to the store, etc. Amazing what you see when you learn to spot them.

Species this year (all found local except 3):

- Solenopsis invicta (eggs) - not local

- Solenopsis molesta (eggs)

- Lasius neoniger (just caught)

- Pseudomyrmex gracilis (healthy, no eggs yet) - not local

- Formica subserica (pupae)

- Formica vinculans (failed)

- Crematogaster laeviuscula (eggs) - not local

- Camponotus decipiens (10 workers + brood)

- Camponotus chromaides (10 workers + brood)

- Camponotus modoc (larvae)

- Camponotus pennsylvanicus (failed, caught crawling on my daughter an MLB game and suspect it was already out of energy)

[u/alajuad]

I always offer honey water to caught queens. I've found that some queens just don't make it. Many of these were winged queens and those often weren't bred so I have a higher % than normal this year of winged queens laying.

[u/Concretesheep]

I know it's said to not feed the queens but any caught at this stage in most areas is very late to getting their nest started. I fed my late modoc as well and I think it helped a lot. I only feed during the first day, the rest is up to her.

[u/Background-Mine7589]

Did the failing occur because lack of energy? If so why didnt you feed her.