22 replies to this topic

[AntaholicAnonymous]

I started this topic here cause I wanna hear from yall what you think about hibernation and not properly cooling them during winter if not possible due to the setup.

Maybe even share a couple facts or mistakes you made so we all can learn from them.

[AntaholicAnonymous]

So I gonna start off saying that I love natural setups and so did my lasius colony I had for 3 years (released them they didn't die) .
The issue is tho that I can't hibernate them properly.
They went into hibernation without proper cooling and did well overall.

Now with my new manica queen I'm concerned that it might be harmful but I don't know if the cold is even that crucial or the slow metabolism alone is the key point.

Maybe yall know a bit more then me about this and can share some wisedom.

Edited by AntaholicAnonymous, September 5 2019 - 6:12 AM.

[TennesseeAnts]

For ants from temperate regions, always hibernate. For invasive ants, it ants from tropical regions, hibernation is not required. An example of ants that do not require hibernation in the U.S. are: Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis invicta x richteri, Solenopsis richteri, Tapinoma sessile, some Pogonomyrmex and some species of Camponotus. It really depends on where you collect the ants. If the area you collect them from gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you can bet that the ants hibernate. But this is not the case with Tapinoma sessile. They move into warm areas in winter, such as your house, and wait winter out there while still being as active as ever, in your kitchen.

[Martialis]

For ants from temperate regions, always hibernate. For invasive ants, it ants from tropical regions, hibernation is not required. An example of ants that do not require hibernation in the U.S. are: Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis invicta x richteri, Solenopsis richteri, Tapinoma sessile, some Pogonomyrmex and some species of Camponotus. It really depends on where you collect the ants. If the area you collect them from gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you can bet that the ants hibernate. But this is not the case with Tapinoma sessile. They move into warm areas in winter, such as your house, and wait winter out there while still being as active as ever, in your kitchen.

 

Tapinoma in northern regions hibernate. Their massive colonies are really characteristic of their urban/suburban populations, but smaller ones are more ubiquitous further from people.

Edited by Martialis, September 5 2019 - 6:16 AM.

[TennesseeAnts]

For ants from temperate regions, always hibernate. For invasive ants, it ants from tropical regions, hibernation is not required. An example of ants that do not require hibernation in the U.S. are: Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis invicta x richteri, Solenopsis richteri, Tapinoma sessile, some Pogonomyrmex and some species of Camponotus. It really depends on where you collect the ants. If the area you collect them from gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you can bet that the ants hibernate. But this is not the case with Tapinoma sessile. They move into warm areas in winter, such as your house, and wait winter out there while still being as active as ever, in your kitchen.

 
Tapinoma in northern regions hibernate.

Well they don't here. They just move into your house .

[AntaholicAnonymous]

I get that it's optimal but I can't move a massive natural tank that's the issue.
I like it cold myself so it won't be too warm.
I know that they will go into hibernation even without perfect temperatures I just wanna know how bad it is to let them hibernate in not optimal temperatures.

I don't wanna avoid hibernation but I can't put em in the fridge is what I'm saying

[Mercutia]

So here's my opinion.

 

Your ants will likely go dormant with or without you bringing the cold factor into it however they will likely need more care  during the winter season from you as the warmer temperature will likely mean more things like changing out their water more frequently. You will however, likely experience not so great activity in brooding during the spring warmer seasons as not hibernating your ants does take a toll on a colony. Will they die out? Very likely not, but their production come spring does seem to take a toll.

 

What options are available to you if not your fridge? You could likely insulate your setup very well and see how they fair in a sheltered garage or shed.

[ANTdrew]

Yeah, I second the garage, shed, or basement idea depending on how cold it gets in your area. I plan to put my huge Tetramorium colony that live in a big dirt tank in an unheated basement for hibernation.

[Acutus]

Gotta admit I'm really worried about this myself! I have places I can put them but A. are they cold enough? B. Too Cold? I can use a Fridge but don't know that the Out World would fit.

 

What type of maintenance is there if the Ants are properly hibernated.

[Canadant]

I don't wrap or put ants in fridge etc. Mine just go dormant and barely move. They pick up again in spring no probs.

[Antennal_Scrobe]

Tetramorium doesn't really like to hibernate in my experience. They might this year, though, since I bet the ants will really know it's winter time when I move them away from their 80 degree heat able and into the 50 degree basement.

[NickAnter]

I am probably going to put my cold weather ants in my moms wine cooler, at 45 to 50 degrees. In the wild where I found them, it gets into the 20s and thirties. Also, ants here in HB don't hibernate, but it gets into the 40s and sometimes 30s every night in January. Some are slightly less active, but do not hibernate.

[MrPurpleB]

I have three c.vicinus that need hibernation. Any tips on recommend length of hibernation, when would it be optimal to place them, and favorable temperatures?

I have seen some people mentioned October for 3 months or the start of January. I am confused when are the best times and does it depend on species or location. I have also heard someone say as long as they hibernate the when should not be a big issue, as long as the ants get some form of rest.

[AntaholicAnonymous]

Thanks for the replies so far.
I have a basement I could put them in But this setup is so damn heavy took me and my dad to even get the enormous thick glass tank up to the 5th floor with tight stairs.
We are strong but that was quite a mission. What I put in as substrate and decoration wheys around as much as me so this ain't gonna move nowhere. lol

This winter is still in the test tube and fridge but from then on it ain't possible.

I gonna share some pics of the tank if I figure out how to

[DDD101DDD]

In the more temperate regions like New York, is 1 degree Celsius too cold for hibernation? 

[Antennal_Scrobe]

Probably. You don't want to risk them freezing, about 40 degrees F is the recommended temperature. It gets colder in the wild but the ants are insulated underground and have a natural antifreeze system which doesn't work for sudden temperature drops like a freezer.

[RushmoreAnts]

Tetramorium doesn't really like to hibernate in my experience. They might this year, though, since I bet the ants will really know it's winter time when I move them away from their 80 degree heat able and into the 50 degree basement.

I've been told that they don't exactly shut down like other ants, yet they still would benefit from hibernation.

[ANTdrew]

Tetramorium doesn't really like to hibernate in my experience. They might this year, though, since I bet the ants will really know it's winter time when I move them away from their 80 degree heat able and into the 50 degree basement.

I've been told that they don't exactly shut down like other ants, yet they still would benefit from hibernation.

So does the antkeeper by getting a break.

[RushmoreAnts]

It seems this applies more to large colonies.

[Wa.Va]

So if I would like to hibernate my ants, should I already lower the temperature? And when to start? . It goes pretty simultaneously with the outside temp here in Belgium. 2 weeks ago 30 to 25 celcius. Now up to max 20 celcius.