7 replies to this topic

[Artisan_Ants]

After some research, and experimenting with some younger colonies in hibernation, I wanted to really know if S. molesta hibernates in captivity. All of my queens with some brood, and one young colony I have in hibernation are doing fine in hibernation/diapause. But the thing is that I have a much older colony, which has a lot of brood which are mostly larva; and they are not in hibernation. I know that in the wild, they will definitely hibernate. But do you REALLY need to hibernate queens and colonies in captivity?

[ANTdrew]

Most Myrmecine ants don’t strictly need hibernation.

[Artisan_Ants]

Most Myrmecine ants don’t strictly need hibernation.

Ok, thanks for the input.

[JesseTheAntKid]

Depends on your state. But, since you're in pennsylvania, I'd say yeah, it's healthy.

Edited by JesseTheAntKid, February 16 2024 - 3:46 PM.

[Manitobant]

While most myrmicines don't need a diapause, solenopsis molesta in particular do especially well without it

[ColAnt735]

While most myrmicines don't need a diapause, solenopsis molesta in particular do especially well without it

I second this. I've found that this kind of ant has giant die offs during diapause. 

[Artisan_Ants]

Thanks everyone for the inputs. I’ll remove my colonies later in March. As of now, most of them are doing well, with no issues.

[Manitobant]

Oh yeah one other thing of note- at least here in manitoba, founding solenopsis molesta queens (as well as other fall flying myrmicines) do need an initial diapause before laying eggs. Its basically hard wired into them to not lay their first batch until exposed to cold but after that they don’t need it anymore.