15 replies to this topic

[AntsMAN]

I have noticed in my Camponotus colonies they have slowed growth down to a crawl and don't seem to be as active. Same for my Formica Colonies. I assume they will start hibernation next month sometime.

Time to order my wine cooler, and get ready.

 

When hibernation the only thing to worry about is hydration and temperature correct? Test tube colonies are fine as they are? I don't want a repeat of last year. I'm going to try for a 4 month hibernation, hopefully end of September to first of February.

The plan is to slowly bring them down to 8-10℃, over the period of a few weeks.

Far as brood just the larvae can survive hibernation correct?

 

Anything special I need to know to have a successful hibernation?

Edited by AntsMAN, August 29 2016 - 6:31 AM.

[XZero38]

won't that freeze them if you go that low?

[AntsMAN]

won't that freeze them if you go that low?

Sorry meant to say ℃

[Loops117]

I've noticed my Lasius alienus and Formica subsericea have slowed down to a very slow crawl. My Lasius almost stopped eating entirly. Time for the long winter haul.

[noebl1]

Hoping my Tetramorium start slowing down...  ~12 of the first workers eclosed in each of the tubes this mos.  About 8-12 new pupae ready to go in each one as well. Still taking protein like pigs too so may be starting to prep (I hope).  My Temnothorax have slowed down laying, but still reasonably active feeding.

 

My basement holds a pretty steady 7-10C all winter, so hoping to hibernate them there.  Once I shut off the dehumidifier for the season, the temp in the basement will slowly drop starting in Oct.  Though if we don't stop this 80s/90s here in MA, not so sure now. 

 

What do people do with P. Imparis?  Do they keep them room temp year round or cool them during winter?

[sgheaton]

I haven't monitored my basement much more than, "shee baby its cold down here, " during winter time. Was thinking if I didn't want to use my spare refrigerator that I might use the natural coolness of Colorado basementness. 

[Loops117]

If i could trust it, i would build a box in my crawl space for them. I just fear the temps would change too much. I have too many colonies and tubes for a small fridge/wine cooler. I'm gonna have to figure something out.

[noebl1]

I'm a geek, so mine is computer monitored. I used to use 1-wire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1-Wire) temp/humidity sensors (got them in basement, attic, garage, etc.)  However can now use Wifi NodeMCU + DHT22 for ~$20 and have a cheap web enabled device to monitor temp/humidity.

[AntsMAN]

The only other thing is Hydrating the nest during hibernation, I assume the cooler temp will keep the humidity in the nest for a lot longer?

[YawningGull]

I'm a geek, so mine is computer monitored. I used to use 1-wire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1-Wire) temp/humidity sensors (got them in basement, attic, garage, etc.)  However can now use Wifi NodeMCU + DHT22 for ~$20 and have a cheap web enabled device to monitor temp/humidity.

I'm thinking of using a micro-controller to monitor the conditions in my colonies. Like turning on and off a heat cable or something, and graph the conditions over time.

Edited by YawningGull, August 30 2016 - 10:58 AM.

[AntsMAN]

Most of my colonies only have larvae now and they aren't growing, or eating very much anymore.

And they are staying huddled up together. The Camponotus seem to be slowing down the most.

[sgheaton]

........Everyones talking about hibernation and here I am still constructing my dang formicarium

[AntsMAN]

You still have plenty of time. A few of my colonies didn't get a proper hibernation last year so they are getting ready a little early this year.

[noebl1]

@sgheaton  Same here too, hence my comment above about my Tetramorium  I'm hoping to get some smaller formicariums similar to the AC test tube portals printed out to get them going a bit longer until I can print out something larger for Spring.

[Mdrogun]

 

 

What do people do with P. Imparis?  Do they keep them room temp year round or cool them during winter?

With my Prenolepis imparis I've kept them above 78 or so all summer. They've been hibernating most of the summer and they should be resuming activity soon. In the winter I plan to keep them around 65 and see what happens. I caught my queen at the end of winter so I'm not entirely sure what I should do for temps but by the summer time next year I'll have it figured out.

[noebl1]

@mdrogun: Thanks! I've left her alone for the last couple weeks in a box as noticed with all the movement she ate her small egg clutch I think. Super nervous to check on her. Hopefully still alive...