Egg laying and colony growth in incipient colonies of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta)

Mated queens of the Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) were collected in the field and reared in the lab. Egg-laying rates for newly mated queens were continuously recorded along with periodic measurement of colony health and productivity. Previous studies have focused on mature colony characteristics. This study will provide detailed insight into the early stages of colony growth.