2 replies to this topic

[RedFox]

So it's been getting cold here in Monroe County Michigan and I raise my ants in a connected garage. I have made an insulated cubert for them when it's time for diapause and I want it to be a successful diapause so that I don't have to worry about them went I have surgery at the end of December, because I won't be able to check on them for at least 2 weeks. Now my Camponus castaneus is still laying eggs and eating, and my solenopsis molesta is EXPLODING. I hear that the solenopsis molesta and tetramorium I'm. don't diapause, but should I start to prepare my Camponus castaneus, Tapinoma sessile and my queens in founding for diapause? I found the Tapinoma Sessile in my compost pile so if they don't make it I'm sure I can find another, but my Camponus castaneus is my first colony and I want to do them right. Any suggestions 🤔 🐜🐜.

Here is a nice picture of a camponotus castaneus worker I took.

Edited by RedFox, October 15 2024 - 4:04 AM.

[ANTdrew]

For the Camponotus, wait until they have no pupae left. Then they can be hibernated.

[RushmoreAnts]

Solenopsis molesta, Tetramorium immigrans, and Tapinoma sessile do not require diapause, and will stay active all year round if provided heat. You can hibernate them starting in the next week or so due to your surgery, though if you want to keep them awake all winter, is there someone else who can care for them when you're not available?