10 replies to this topic

[Stubyvast]

Yesterday I noticed that my colony of tetramorium immigrans, which I received from a friend, where less active, and didn't seem very interested in the protein source I fed them. Normally, they would have swarmed it within minutes.

At first, I sort of attributed this to the colder weather (it had suddenly dropped a few degrees in my area), but then suspected something else: Are these guys ready to hibernate? Already?!

As my friend had forgone hibernating this colony last year, are the ants seeking early hibernation to adjust to this? I am also still a bit of an ant-rookie, with only 2-ish years of experience,  and know very little about hibernating. 

Any advice? Do I hibernate them now?

Edited by Stubyvast, September 13 2024 - 4:24 PM.

[ANTdrew]

Tetramorium do not have an internal clock that signals them to hibernate like some ants do. It must be another factor like a drop in temperature slowing down their metabolism.

[IdioticMouse26]

I thought tetramorium don't hibernate?

[ANTdrew]

They will, but it is not strictly necessary.

[AntsGodzilla]

I thought tetramorium don't hibernate?

Same

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

Read the full thread the, explanation has been said.

[AntsGodzilla]

I know I was just agreeing with him.

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

I know I was just agreeing with him.

Oh ok, hope you didn't take any offense to it.

[AntsGodzilla]

All good

[Stubyvast]

Tetramorium do not have an internal clock that signals them to hibernate like some ants do. It must be another factor like a drop in temperature slowing down their metabolism.

 

Ah okay. Even in Canada? Their natural clock doesn't require hibernation here? In that case it must be temperature levels then as originally expected. That makes sense, as my lasius niger, who I believe do hibernate, haven't even considered it. Thanks everyone! I will put my colony closer to the heater then.

[rptraut]

Hello Stubyvast;

I put my Tetramorium colonies in winter storage (root cellar) with my other colonies, but they don’t really hibernate. They just slow down with the lower temperatures, but they still raise brood and keep a clean nest, very slowly As the temps drop, larvae slow down and grow slower, requiring less protein. Feed them a little less and they’ll be back for more each day.
RPT