I had a bit of an ant issue yesterday when I accidentally dug up a queen and several bunches of pupae. Where I found her was an inch away from the large pupae you see in the enclosure with her, and only a few inches from there were some orange ants and much smaller pupae. 

I thought that those were her workers so I tried to put her with them, but they attacked. So I just took the big pupae I found her near and left the little orange ants and their small pupae alone. 

Upon the last post I made, I found out that these big pupae are definitely not hers or even the same species as her and that the orange ants are likely the same genius or species as her and she needs THOSE pupae instead. 

So I went back out today and collected 17 of the small ones as somebody had recommended. I’m also priority shipping some test tubes from Amazon. (I’ve never kept ants before) I just feel bad that I have to take her big pupae from her when she’s been so doting and caring for them.  

When I tried to Google it, I saw that Queen’s won’t typically acknowledge pupae of a different species so why is she? I would love some insight!

I also have a few side questions I could use some help with if anyone happens to know.

1. What should I do with the large pupae and what species might they be of? 

2. Do I remove all of the soil from the container she’s in? I just need that container to be suitable for her and the pupae for a couple of days until the test tube arrives. It’s supposed to be a jumping spider enclosure, but I’ve never used it because it’s too small and has no ventilation. 

3. What’s my best way of setting this box up as something slightly OK as a temporary enclosure until mail? (I purchased distilled water, a pure raw honey stick, and some cotton balls today. Due to the lack of ventilation in the enclosure.l I’m worried if I put a soaked cotton ball in there without any soil, it would be far too humid, but I really don’t know) 

Any help would be super greatly appreciated!!!!! 

What happens when a queen raises a brood of a different species?