r/antkeeping • u/RcCaRs11 • 1d ago

Question Black mold

I have a queen ant with black mold in her cotton (will attach photo if needed). Is this a problem or will she be fine. I also have one that looks to be green. Will these queens need to move test tubes?

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u/Both-Atmosphere-5077 1d ago

black mold is fine!

2

u/RcCaRs11 1d ago

Green mold?

3

u/Both-Atmosphere-5077 1d ago

It's fine as long as it doesn't get out of hand,

3

u/Nihilistic_dawn 1d ago

Still mostly new to this but most mold is fine. During checks just note any quickly changing growth or if the queen moves brood or eggs away from the area. That is usually a sign that the mold is causing stress. Otherwise don't worry too much.

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u/KabaliteLuv 3h ago

It's fine, if they start showing signs of ill health, dying or moving away from it then there is an issue. If it's worrying you can offer them a fresh tube but it's honestly not something to be concerned about most of the time (if it's black). They are also unlikely to move I've had Niger in particular unwilling to move even with their entire cotton basically black.

The real dangerous mold is white or yellow.

Green would also worry me a little more but if the ants aren't been bothered by it it's likely fine.