10 replies to this topic

[Ants-Irvine]

So it's my first year of ant keeping, and I live in SoCal, I know not to hibernate my C. Semitestaceus, although I have a Pheidole queen with 3 workers and it's nearing hibernation season. I don't know if I should hibernate them, nor the specific species of Pheidole, if someone with experience could help me with whether I should hibernate them or not that would be great

[Roy3]

I don't have any pheidole ants but here in California many of our smaller species ants don't necessarily hibernate. They look for warmer conditions to keep thriving. Hence indoors. Like our homes. But if the ants you have start to slow down dramatically, then they are of hibernation quality. And a cold garage is what I would lean towards. Many people in those colder climate states would get a wine cooler for hibernation of their colonies. Myself, if I notice my Solenopsis or Pogonomyrmex ants slow down (which I'm expecting the Pogonomyrmex to slow down) I will just put them in my garage, it's not insulated that good. So it will be cold. Then in spring I will think about moving indoors again. For warmth and colony growth. I will research the ants you named. Because maybe they need special requirements. But also I wouldn't stress to much about it if you found a native species to the Irvine area. Just pay attention to the temperature you normally have in your city. Now if you found them in Yosemite or far off while on a vacation, then that needs attention to detail.

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[Zeiss]

The general rule of thumb us in southern California have gone by over the years of ant keeping is that only the ants collected in high elevations need to be hibernated.  

[Roy3]

True zeiss. And Irvine is low. So...... I think his ants are fine.

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[dspdrew]

Unless they come from a place that is covered in snow for most of the winter, I would not hibernate them.

[Ants-Irvine]

Ok, thank you guys for the help

[Ants-Irvine]

The workers darkened..... black abdomens and red heads, took a closer look at the queen, she is mostly dark but definetly has a red head, it's only been about 5 weeks since I cought her. I think I might have a Solenopsis Sp. Also, I watched Ender Ants' video on Solenopsis Xyloni, the queen in his colony has unique bump between her mid and her rear, I Identified this on my queen. What do you guys think? I'm relatively new so I don't know if I would want to take on Solenopsis so early in my experience. I'll try to get pictures soon.

[Zeiss]

You will have to post an Ant ID Request.  Follow the proper format (put at the top of the thread).  Also embed your images in your posts.

[Vern530]

I was told (not sure if accurate)that you can skip first year colony’s to make sure they get a strong founding force

[Zeiss]

I was told (not sure if accurate)that you can skip first year colony’s to make sure they get a strong founding force

I am not sure what you are saying, please rephrase.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

Unless they come from a place that is covered in snow for most of the winter, I would not hibernate them.

the only thing the confuses me with that statement is what if those ants that came from lower, non snow covered areas show signs of hibernation