3 replies to this topic

[Saftron]

So I have been having a hard time deciding if I Should or Should Not hibernate my Tetramorium Caespitum colony. They are a pretty healthy colony. I've had them for 5 months and they are about to hit 55 workers (all still nanitics). I have seen an increase of workers foraging the last couple of weeks so I've been giving them more food. (Also I've been heating them for about 4 months) They have about 20-25 larvae and the queen laid a new batch of eggs on Saturday. I have heard that you shouldn't hibernate your ants if they have larvae or eggs. When I first caught my queen her gaster was all black, but now she looks "fatter" and now she has honey colored "rings" on her gaster. I was told it was so she could fatten up for hibernation but I do not know if this is true. Please post your opinion on whether or not I should or should not hibernate my Tetra's. Until I decide I will keep them unheated.

 

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If I should hibernate my ants what temperature should I keep them at and where should I put them to hibernate?

 

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Note: The inside of my fridge is about 4.4 Celsius / 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit

 

My garage is about 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter.

Edited by Antkeeperxxx, November 24 2016 - 4:59 PM.

[Kevin]

Yes, by now the colony should be in hibernation whether there is larve or not.

[Serafine]

5°C is too cold, they should not get colder than 10°C, 15°C would be perfect.

Also most ants can afford to miss a year of hibernation (as long as you don't skip it twice they won't have any serious issues), especially if it is their first year and they show no signs of reducing activity. Generally it is better to hibernate them but if they are really active and have tons of brood in various stages you could as well wait a bit longer. Tetramorium only take about a month from egg to worker, also maybe the clock of yours is ticking slightly behind and they will start to show reduced activity in a few weeks.

[MichiganAnts]

you can hibernate but you shouldn't if you have pupea that are about to eclose. larvae and eggs can be hibernated