4 replies to this topic

[TinyAnts248]

I have a 3 colonies of Brachymyrmex patagonicus, all kept in different set ups. 1 in a natural desert theme dirt terrarium, 1 in a ants canada ant tower, and 1 in a jar of dirt with a smaller jar inside to push the dirt to the side. Towards the end of November, I have rarely seen any activity in the desert terrarium.  I can track the population in the ant tower and jar bc I am able to visibly see the ant population. However, in the terrarium, I haven't single ant in 2 weeks. Just wondering if they are in diapause or hibernating? or did they just all die out. Before I overreact and decide to dig up the terrarium, I was hoping someone can provide me some insight on these specific species. I live in southern Cali and my room gets cold 65-71F during the night. The only heat source they get would be a pair of 32W grow lights I use for my plants (kept on for 8 hrs). 

[ReignofRage]

I don't think B. patagonicus hibernate, considering I see masses of workers everyday in my yard no matter the time of year or temperature.

[PurdueEntomology]

Looking at the climate of the species origins and it's current distribution pattern in the US I would say that you do NOT need a hibernation.

[Manitobant]

Brachymyrmex patagonicus do not need hibernation, and will keep growing year round.

[AsdinAnts]

maybe you should try and clear up some dirt on the side of it to get a better view of the colony (which is hopefully still alive) I’ve attempted to grow a 6 queen colony, I got them to around 11 workers then I had to go to mexico for 3 days and when i came back they were all dead, sadly. I would like to retry doing brachy pata though.