3 replies to this topic

[futurebird]

I've been told by an "expert" at reddit that "you shouldn't put ants in diapause who still have pupa or eggs" I understand that pupae that don't eclose before diapause probably won't make it. Some eggs might, maybe some larva. But, I also know that none of my colonies have naturally slowed down... even though it's getting cold outside where we live. 

 

Anyway my fridge is at a mild 66F and I plan on taking them our for feeding for the next few weeks and lowering the temp and just observing. 

 

They all have lots of eggs and pupae. 

 

I also know that most camponotus do badly without diapause. 

 

I'm hoping the exposure to mild cold will trigger the queen to slow down a bit. Maybe a few more of the last pupae can eclose. 

 

I just feel like they'd be out all winter if I wait for the eggs and pupae to stop before exposing them to any cold. 

 

Also it's HOT in my apartment. We have that overpowered steam heat you find in Bronx apartments. It's like 85 in here all winter. 

 

 

[futurebird]

I have very mixed emotions about reddit. I feel like people are very ... negative and bossy... and often also wrong there. 

 

Anyway here is a funny video of me being bad at using an aspirator. 

 

[Kaelwizard]

Pretty sure larvae is the only brood that can survive the cool conditions of winter.

[Manitobant]

Yes, eggs and pupae will die in hibernation. Wait for the pupae to eclose into workers and the eggs to hatch into larvae before hibernating.