8 replies to this topic

[BleepingBleepers]

And when I say sugar source I mean plain sugar source: dry form and the diluted form (honey water, sugar water etc 1:3 ratio)

 

So we know that ants like sugar because it's a great source of carbohydrates which gives them energy for their daily functions.

Alright so, lets say for me, this question is mostly for carpenter ants. But I'd be somewhat curious about meat ants and ants that eat seeds like harvester ants.

 

So protein source, without it, for carpenter ants at least, it would just mean their brood won't develop, but they'll still be alive.

 

Water is vital and it seems like a week or so with absolutely no water with a full gaster prior?

 

So, no sugar source WITH and WITHOUT protein, protein source will be insects. How long do you think? And what's the side effects of a low sugar / no sugar diet (would it cause them to prey on their own brood, do they seem more lethargic with less sugar)?

 

Water will always be present.

 

EDIT: Also, how this would change from period when they're active during the warmer months and during cooldowns (ants that are simply kept in room temperature) or those hibernating.

 

 

 

 

PURPOSE OF THIS:

Want to know how vital a sugar source are to ants and it's always nice to know the limitation in order to not cross it, but also to know the limits of it still being okay and when to really worry. Like in extended periods away from home.

Edited by BleepingBleepers, February 22 2024 - 10:41 AM.

[antsriondel]

This differs from species. Some of my Camponotus colonies have survived 2-3 months without sugar as they have large social stomachs. On the other hand if I leave my Liometopum luctuosum colony three days without sugar they start to die off. 

[UtahAnts]

Depends on the species and temperature/time of year. Desert ants like Pogonomyrmex, Novomessor, and Myrmecocystus often survive long periods without sugars because they have supplements (in the form of seeds) and repletes.

Most other types of ants can go off of one feeding every two weeks (on average) during the growing season and once every month or so during diapause given they always have a water source.

 

To be safe, feeding sugar at least once a week if not more will encourage growth. Protein will also have some form of sugar so it really depends on what you are feeding them. 

[Artisan_Ants]

All living things need some source of carbohydrates (provided in any sugar source) to survive. Yes, some species can go for long periods of time without it, but If done for a VERY long time, then it can affect the activity of your ants (in a bad way). We ourselves need carbohydrates to function, and work; just like ants. I find that smaller species like S. molesta or other smaller species like Brachymyrmex need it quite often because of their very small stomachs. They can’t go a month without sugar, or they will start dying off pretty fast. Luckily, they’re notorious and will find a way out of the cotton when hungry. This doesn’t mean that larger species don’t need it though. Like what antsriondel mentioned, that Camponotus can go 2-3 months without sugar is very true. Just expect more activity if you feed more carbohydrates to your ants (it also improves aggression I think).

Edited by Artisan_Ants, February 22 2024 - 11:18 AM.

[Mushu]

There's no real hard evidence or study that I can cite that I've found yet, however there's many "ESTIMATES" regarding food(2 weeks) and water(5 days) as a general response. This is an estimate if no food/water stores(repletes,seeds).

[The_Gaming-gate]

Not very long, the entire colony would collapse quite quickly. Workers mainly use sugar for energy, which means they would die first and if there aren't workers to feed larvae, they will die too. Only way to fix this is with honeypot ants with large repletes.

[BleepingBleepers]

Thanks for the replies everyone, def feel free to add more info.

Good stuff to know about as I've always wondered. This information keeps me from panicking in case I'm late to feeding them. Knowledge helps keep a calm mind.

 

Hmm, what I'm getting in general:

 

With social stomachs and sizable gaster to store like carpenter ants like my CA02: about a month up to 3 months  (cut in half for the active months)

Without social stomachs or those with small social stomachs like my Ecto ants: probably best to give them something every few days (2-3~) especially if they miss the first opportunity to get some.

 

 

But if able, good to have it available once a week if not more.

[Idontexist]

Sorry to revive the thread, but what about trap jaw ants? I don't think those need sugar to survive as they're mainly carnivorous

[Artisan_Ants]

Sorry to revive the thread, but what about trap jaw ants? I don't think those need sugar to survive as they're mainly carnivorous

Well if you don’t give them carbohydrates so often, then I’m guessing that they retrieve most of it from the protein they consume (since all protein will still have some source of carbohydrates, but just a very little amount usually. Just depends on how much you feed your queen everyday, in this case since she’s carnivorous or semi-claustral so your feeding her at least twice everyday).