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Can you put ants back into hibernation after taking them out?

Started By Manitobant , Dec 19 2020 1:33 PM

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5 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Manitobant - Posted December 19 2020 - 1:33 PM

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LocationWinnipeg, Canada

About 3 weeks ago i took out my formica Montana colony as a test to see if my other ants were ready and they havent laid any eggs since then and still seem like they want to hibernate. Would it be safe to stick them back in the fridge for another month despite them having been at room temperature for 3 weeks?

My journals:

Polyergus Mexicanus: https://www.formicul...gs/#entry175528
Lasius minutus: https://www.formicul...cs/#entry174811
Lasius latipes: https://www.formicul...gs/#entry206449
General acanthomyops journal: https://www.formicul...yops-with-eggs/

#2 Offline ANTdrew - Posted December 19 2020 - 2:29 PM

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How long were they in hibernation previously? I think you could ease them back into it.

"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#3 Offline Manitobant - Posted December 19 2020 - 3:56 PM

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They were in since early September.

#4 Offline AntsDakota - Posted December 19 2020 - 3:57 PM

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I think December is way too early to take a temperate colony out of hibernation in the first place. And yes, I would definitely suggest easing them back into hibernation.

TennesseeAnts and Ants_Dakota like this

"God made..... all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. (including ants) And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25 NIV version

#5 Offline Manitobant - Posted December 19 2020 - 4:39 PM

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When would you recommend taking them out? I plan to take my stuff out by January and keep these guys in til February.

#6 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted December 20 2020 - 6:02 PM

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3 months is the average time for hibernation for most ants.

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Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

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