3 replies to this topic

[Shrike311]

Hello,

 

My Camponotus modoc (1 queen and 6 workers) started slowing down and stopped letting their larva pupate in mid September.  I put them into a mini-fridge mid October.  When would you recommend I start warming them up?  I'm planning to increase the fridge temp a degree or two a day until they get to room temperature.  Then apply some low heat like last year.  They are at 46F currently.

 

I'm thinking to start that process now.

 

They were collected in Utah, if it matters.

 

Thanks,

Josh

[ANTdrew]

They’ve probably been in diapause long enough, so you can take them out now. Such a gradual warm up is not really necessary, though. Just be aware that large Camponotus sometimes take a long time to fully activate after a deep diapause.

[ANTdrew]

They’ve probably been in diapause long enough, so you can take them out now. Such a gradual warm up is not really necessary, though. Just be aware that large Camponotus sometimes take a long time to fully activate after a deep diapause.

The ants’ perspective:
*I’m sick and tired of being cold! Get us out now!*

[Shrike311]

 

They’ve probably been in diapause long enough, so you can take them out now. Such a gradual warm up is not really necessary, though. Just be aware that large Camponotus sometimes take a long time to fully activate after a deep diapause.

 

Thanks for the info.  I was being paranoid and gradually warmed them up by 2 degrees F per day until they got to 60F.  Then I took them out.  Everyone seemed fine and there was no issues or weird behavior.  She promptly starting laying eggs and the larva that overwintered started growing fast.  

 

They seem to be doing fantastic and she keeps laying more eggs.  She's up to 12-15 eggs right now.