5 replies to this topic

[ZATrippit]

Hey all!

1. North Island of NZ, in my backyard

2. 8th. Nov 2023
3. Suburbs
4. ~8mm
5. Black all over
6. Relatively long gaster
7. Sluggish, flies as a 'last resort'
8. .

9. Most likely earlier today or yesterday
Thanks for any help!

 

Bonus diapause question:

The species I currently have are Iridomyrmex sp. and O. glaber. These are both australian species that don't hibernate, but since they're in New Zealand (A colder climate) will they need hibernation?

 

Again, thanks for any help!

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[ANTdrew]

Many species will hibernate out of necessity, but that does not mean they necessarily need to.

[ZATrippit]

Many species will hibernate out of necessity, but that does not mean they necessarily need to.

Sorry? I don't quite understand

[ANTdrew]

Species that live in cold areas may hibernate because they need to in order to survive winter. The same species in a warmer area may gladly skip hibernating if it is warm enough. Only certain species have a biological need to hibernate no matter what.

[Manitobant]

Yeah in NZ it doesn’t get cold enough for ants to fully hibernate even in winter. The most they will do is cease brood production but still forage.

[ZATrippit]

Thanks!