4 replies to this topic

[mete]

I recently started to observe this behavior (no major temperature change happened). I even thought they were dead. They basically stop moving (in the outworld) like freezed (not sure but antenna might have minor movements). I couldn't measure yet exactly but after many seconds (not 10 or so, more) or a few mins, they start moving like normal. Are they sleeping like this ?

[Ants_Dakota]

I recently started to observe this behavior (no major temperature change happened). I even thought they were dead. They basically stop moving (in the outworld) like freezed (not sure but antenna might have minor movements). I couldn't measure yet exactly but after many seconds (not 10 or so, more) or a few mins, they start moving like normal. Are they sleeping like this ?

They are most likely getting ready for diapause. Many ants, most in the northern parts, have an internal genetic time clock that will cause them to go into diapause even if there has been no temperature change. They should be like this for several months. It is recommended to put them into a fridge or some similar cooling system for the most natural experience. I have heard some say that not putting a colony into diapause harms it, but I am unsure if there is scientific evidence to back that up.

[mete]

They are most likely getting ready for diapause. Many ants, most in the northern parts, have an internal genetic time clock that will cause them to go into diapause even if there has been no temperature change. They should be like this for several months. It is recommended to put them into a fridge or some similar cooling system for the most natural experience. I have heard some say that not putting a colony into diapause harms it, but I am unsure if there is scientific evidence to back that up.

They are Messor barbarus and I think they go to diapause late November or so. Is it expected to see this behavior now ~2 months before ?

[Mushu]

Yes, ants take micro naps throughout the day. The queen takes even more. Futurebird posted a diagram of the antennae position when they are in different states(sleeping, active) and it’s pretty darn accurate from my observations.

[mete]

Yes, ants take micro naps throughout the day. The queen takes even more. Futurebird posted a diagram of the antennae position when they are in different states(sleeping, active) and it’s pretty darn accurate from my observations.

Thanks! I think it is this post https://www.formicul...r-ant-is-sleepy

I would never think the antenna position means something like this.