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9 replies to this topic
#1 Offline - Posted July 24 2017 - 10:39 PM
Hello, I am going be in possession of a Lasius Niger in a few weeks, and I heard they have to hibernate from October to March. I think the only reason ants hibernate is because it gets too cold, but if they are in my house then I really don't see any reason to hibernate them. Do you guys think I could get by without hibernating them. I also want to make sure it doesn't have any negative effects on the queen by skipping hibernation.
#2 Offline - Posted July 25 2017 - 3:43 AM
Who's selling you Lasius niger queens in California?
If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.
Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.
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Black lives still matter.
#3 Offline - Posted July 25 2017 - 9:53 AM
Why do you care? A man from los angles if you must know. He found it in California and didn't ship it if that's what your worried about.
Edited by AntPhycho, July 25 2017 - 10:01 AM.
#4 Offline - Posted July 25 2017 - 10:58 AM
Because, in likelihood, you're getting something else which the seller misidentified, else they obtained a Lasius niger colony illegally. Lasius niger (or similar, unnamed species) do exist in North America, but live so remotely -- I have my doubts that hobbyists would be able to find it. It's also notoriously confused with every black ant and the four other niger-group Lasius. If you have a legitimately sold Lasius niger colony, good on you!
Hibernation is important to the internal clock of the temperate workers, brood, and queen. Their colonies tend not to do well when they aren't put in the cold. Activity (foraging, egg laying, etc.) also tapers off during the hibernation period, regardless of the temperature.
Edited by Batspiderfish, July 25 2017 - 11:04 AM.
- dermy and Martialis like this
If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.
Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.
----
Black lives still matter.
#6 Offline - Posted July 25 2017 - 11:34 AM
If it doesn't become freezing cold outside, that should be fine. I stick mine in a fridge just because the temperatures are easier to control.
If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.
Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.
----
Black lives still matter.
#7 Offline - Posted July 25 2017 - 11:35 AM
how cold does a fridge get
#8 Offline - Posted August 3 2017 - 11:26 AM
It depends on what kind you have.
Currently Keeping:
Tetramorium Immigrans
#9 Offline - Posted August 3 2017 - 12:17 PM
It would be ideal to get your hands on one of these Zoo Medâ„¢ Reptile Terrarium Thermometer Humidity Gauge, that way you can measure the temp's of your fridge more accurate before and during hibernation.
Make sure it can read temperatures below 0
Edited by lucas3431, August 3 2017 - 12:20 PM.
#10 Offline - Posted August 3 2017 - 10:28 PM
I put mine in the attic as it is unheated and i live in England so it is relatively cold. The queen needs hibernation as it is a break from egg laying. She is happier if she hibernates.
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