_REFUGEE_

Among species that reproduce sexually, the QUEEN selectively uses the sperm cells retained from the nuptial flight, laying fertile or unfertile eggs depending upon the cyclic needs of the colony; the sex of each individual antis determined by whether or not the egg is fertilized.

Depending upon the ant species, it may take from one to several years for a colony to become large enough for the queen to begin producing virgin queens and males that will leave the colony, swarm, mate and begin a new colony in another location. This process and behavior is typical of most ant colonies.

The workers enlarge the nest, excavate elaborate tunnel systems, and transport new eggs into special hatching chambers. Hatchling larvae are fed and cleaned, and pupated larvae in cocoons are protected until the young adults emerge to become workers themselves. At this point the colony’s workers are mostly directed to expansion of the colony and caring for the queen.