Do my ants need diapause?

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#1 Offline DudeBroGuy - Posted Today, 6:53 AM

Newbie

Members
6 posts

LocationArizona, USA

I live in Phoenix, Arizona, and I was wondering if I needed to make my ants colder in the winter? I caught them fairly recently, I have four queens. They thrive in 83-87F, but do they go through diapause in the winter? It can get super cold here.

#2 Offline RushmoreAnts - Posted Today, 10:43 AM

Advanced Member

Members
4,405 posts

LocationSioux Falls, South Dakota

I live in Phoenix, Arizona, and I was wondering if I needed to make my ants colder in the winter? I caught them fairly recently, I have four queens. They thrive in 83-87F, but do they go through diapause in the winter? It can get super cold here.

If the ants came from Phoenix, Tuscon, or anywhere else in the desert, then no. If they came from around Flagstaff up in the mountains, then yes. I'm familiar with the area but am from South Dakota. It does not get 'super cold' in Phoenix, especially by ant standards. Up hear 40 degrees F is shorts weather.

"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

Keeping:

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Lasius neoniger, brevicornis