u/GregsonA

Hi all I caught my first queen today (Lancashire, UK) - I believe it's a Lasius Niger - I'm aware that sometimes the wings don't come off immediately but I'm trying to figure out if she was fertilized.

Context: she was caught at 11.15am - the sun was out and she was running about on the floor on the pavement - I had a crumpled up piece of blue roll which she seemed almost excited to crawl into.

She seems comfortable in the test tube and had been drinking water before I out her in some tin foil.

Is it common for the wings to stay on? How long for? Is there anything I can do to help her or am I best just leaving her covered for a few days?

I'll try and catch a few more this season as that seems to be everyones top recommendation for success.

Mural to the time when Charles White turned water to wine.

Queen with wings