4 replies to this topic

[jo16]

So I have herd a lot of different opinions on whether or not they need one, and I was hoping I could get some advice.

Also would it be fine if I don't hibernate them the first year, but do the next year.

[cooIboyJ]

So I have herd a lot of different opinions on whether or not they need one, and I was hoping I could get some advice.

Also would it be fine if I don't hibernate them the first year, but do the next year.

I would recommend hibernating/diapausing them as this will be healthier and lengthen the lifespan of your colony. Although they will survive without it; it won't be very good for them. To hibernate them I would just get a wine fridge, or put the temperature of your refrigerator higher to the recommended hibernation temperature for your species. As for your question if it would be fine to not hibernate them the first year, but do it the next year, I wouldn't as I said prior its not healthy for them, but they will survive. Hope this helps!

[bmb1bee]

Considering that they are desert ants, you could get away with room temperature diapause or no diapause at all, which is what I did with mine in the past. They ended up fine before I traded them.

[malcolm212]

i think you should explore this forum more and you will soon get your answer

[ReignofRage]

Camponotus ocreatus (which seemingly may be two different species!) typically does require a diapause as the areas of Arizona they are mainly collected in gets notably cool. Only specific populations from California seem to continue to thrive through winter when continuously heated. The safe bet is to diapause them through winter -- if you don't, they slowly stagnate through summer and fizzle out. It shouldn't be a super cold diapause; a temperature of 65°F works perfect from my experience.