u/Cheese_Bees_Trees

Is she okay? She looks smushed kinda? We found her last night. Is this possibly from losing her wings?

Hi! We are entirely new to ant keeping. We just did a nighttime walk after a lot of rain… is this a queen red carpenter ant (Camponotus castaneus)?

Edited to add: we are in Frederick, MD USA

I dont have a test tube but I did setup a makeshift tiny deli dressing container. I added dried leaves (I have them for my isopods) and a cut toilet paper tube to darken the area. I covered the toilet tube with wet cotton pads.

1. Is this a queen?
2. If it is, what do I need to do to help ensure she lays?