211 replies to this topic

[DDD101DDD]

So, this is my Camponotus Pennsylvanicus journal

 

I caught this queen on 6/6/19, but she didn't lay eggs until July 18th.

She got pupae about a month after.

I then moved her to a mini hearth with her brood

She got her first worker about two weeks after that

And this is them now

 

 

 

 

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Nice! That's some pretty good growth considering they were caught in July! I have high hopes for them in spring!

[DDD101DDD]

Thanks! I just hope they survive hibernation.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

you live in New York Correct? Because I would suggest you hibernate them a little cooler then me (I hibernate them at about 50 degrees Fahrenheit) since you are a more north then me

[DDD101DDD]

I think I'll just keep them in my garage, its nice and cold there in winter, but not too cold.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

45-50 degrees is ideal, I suggest a cold room in the house over the garage because you can keep tabs easier in your house compared to a garage

[DDD101DDD]

My garage is attached to my house, so I can just go there at any time.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Is it heated/ above 40 degrees?

[DDD101DDD]

Well, my house is around 60 degrees, and I don't really have any other place to keep them, so the garage is my only option. 

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Is there anywhere you can cool off a little or any way you could heat up the garage?

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

My suggestions are if you're cooling off a room, cool off the bedroom. If you're  going to keep them in the garage, make sure it doesn't drop below freezing

[DDD101DDD]

Ok, thanks.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Also, remember to elevate the non-water side of the test tube just in case the tube ends up flooding a little. And if you can't change the thermostat, you can always try a wine cooler or something like that. This THA article should help http://tarheelants.b...pecies-q-a.html

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

And if you need anymore links, you can ask, and I can probably give you some good places to look. Keep on doing your passion!

[YsTheAnt]

It's not necessary to go below 50F. 55F us perfectly suitable for most species. Colder temperatures lead to unnecessary deaths, which can spell the end for most colonies.

A wine cooler around 55-55F or a garage works great

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Got it. I hibernate mine at 50 but some people hibernate at lower temps. 

This is one of the species that needs coolder hibernation

I have two and i hibernated one at 44 degrees and one 50, and there was barely a difference

[DDD101DDD]

Ok, thanks for all the info(and the links).

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

No problem, we Camponotous Keepers need to stick together

[DDD101DDD]

I put the colony in my garage for hibernation today.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

I put the colony in my garage for hibernation today.

Keep a extremely close eye on those gals then. The risk with their environment not being climate controlled is if you aren't careful enough, you can possibly kill off your entire colony