4 replies to this topic

[buglover123]

I have camponotus queens caught around may 2022. I hibernated them last winter for 3 months, most colonies grew and one gave majors. I'm trying to keep them growing and get majors from the rest. They are from around California, low elevation. My question is, do I need to hibernate them again this winter? Thanks.

[ANTdrew]

I think you need to get more specific with what species of Camponotus you have to answer this question. Species from a warm area may be fine just having a rest period at cooler room temps, but if hibernation worked for you last year, why not repeat it?

[100lols]

How did you hibernate them last year? What is concerning you about hibernating them again?

Worried about growth rate? Maybe just take them off heat from now until February or so?

More specifics of the species may help indeed, but if you’re saying they are from low elevation & if that’s with no snow, room temps should be fine from what I’ve read on the forum.

[buglover123]

Vicinus, maritimus, and semitestaceus. They're from low elevation and no snow-at least everyone who I've spoken with that caught from the same spots hibernates theirs. I just wanted to know if I have to keep hibernating them every year.

 

I just like playing with my ants, it sucks to have to stick them in a cooler for months on end, that's all. I'm gonna plan to go ahead and do it.

Edited by buglover123, November 22 2023 - 2:38 PM.

[ANTdrew]

Get some isopods or other critters that don’t need to hibernate.