5 replies to this topic

[Works4TheGood]

An advanced member on this forum once said that some species of ants do not require hibernation.  I have the species below; do any of these NOT require hibernation?  I'd love to continue my formicarium experiments during the winter, but I obviously cannot if they're hibernating.

 

Solenopsis molesta

Lasius nearcticus

Lasius neoniger

Tetramorium caespitum

Camponotus pennsylvanicus

Aphaenogaster fulva

Cromatogaster cerasi

[Mdrogun]

An advanced member on this forum once said that some species of ants do not require hibernation.  I have the species below; do any of these NOT require hibernation?  I'd love to continue my formicarium experiments during the winter, but I obviously cannot if they're hibernating.

 

Solenopsis molesta

Lasius nearcticus

Lasius neoniger

Tetramorium caespitum

Camponotus pennsylvanicus

Aphaenogaster fulva

Cromatogaster cerasi

Every species of Lasius requires hibernation. The rest might be able to get away without hibernation but that's only if they're from warm places like SoCal or south Texas.

[MrILoveTheAnts]

While they might go through hibernation because of the climate it's always been unclear to me whether some ants require it. Solenopsis and Pheidole certainly seem to fair better without it, while Lasius and Formica (Prenolepis imparis too?) seem to benefit from it.

[Works4TheGood]

I'm in Pennsylvania.  I'm not sure if that changes anything or not.

[Mercutia]

The Tetramorium sp.E does not need hibernating. You will notice a slight slow down in the winter but they will still remain active and laying if you keep them from the cold.

[Works4TheGood]

The Tetramorium sp.E does not need hibernating. You will notice a slight slow down in the winter but they will still remain active and laying if you keep them from the cold.

Thank you!!!  That's exactly the sort of answer I was looking for!

 

Did you learn this information from experience?  Or is there a reference somewhere with this information?  If not, you should make a sticky post similar to the one for barriers and each species' preferred food!  

Edited by Works4TheGood, October 2 2016 - 4:28 AM.