13 replies to this topic

[FSTP]

Hello,

 I recently acquired a queen Prenolepis imparis with a few workers, but no brood. I've only had them for a few days but they don't seem to be eating and already two worker repletes died. Right now they're in a test tube setup. I've tried feeding them honey water, straight honey, sugar water, cut up mealworms, and apple yet they have not touched any of it. 

 

Right now all the workers expect one is a replete. Are they not eating because they already have lost all repeats? Also when can I expect the queen to start laying eggs? I understand this a much slower growing species but I'd just like to just make sure nothing out of the ordinary for these ants is going on.

 

Thank you,

Jess

[Canadian anter]

I think you should lower the te,peratures as they will die if you don't. Prenolepis only lay eggs a few tims every season so they need the lower temps for their metabolism

[Goldsystem]

My p imparis love humming bird nectar, they also do not like meal worms they like fruit flys and crickets but tend to be shy so placing food near or in the nest will help

[FSTP]

ok I'll try those foods. 

 

How low should I lower the temperature ? Right now we've been getting daytimes highs around mid to high 60ºF and night times down in to the mid to high 30ºF.

 

Thanks,

Jess

[Goldsystem]

I keep mine at about 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit in the day it's probably lower at night

[Mdrogun]

ok I'll try those foods. 

 

How low should I lower the temperature ? Right now we've been getting daytimes highs around mid to high 60ºF and night times down in to the mid to high 30ºF.

 

Thanks,

Jess

I would definitely not go all the way down to 30 F. My Prenolepis imparis seem happy at 60 F. 

[FSTP]

Ok, yeah I won't be keeping them that low, that's just how the weather has been lately. In my house its a consistent 68ºF. 

 

They don't seem to be doing much. They just all sit huddled around the queen.

[Goldsystem]

That's normal they become more active in the spring
The queen should lay eggs in spring as well

[noebl1]

@Goldsystem;  How do you hibernate them, if at all?  I know they are sort of unique as more active in the colder months, and tend to idle (diapause?) a bit in the summer. Thanks!

[Saftron]

I thought they go through hibernation like during summer

[Alabama Anter]

I thought they go through hibernation like during summer

Yep

[Goldsystem]

@Goldsystem; How do you hibernate them, if at all? I know they are sort of unique as more active in the colder months, and tend to idle (diapause?) a bit in the summer. Thanks!

I don't know I plan on just hybernating them in a min fridge with all my other ants

[Goldsystem]

I thought they go through hibernation like during summer

Not true they are just not as active or at least they are in my area I saw them around all summer long

[noebl1]

How long are people hibernating their P. Imparis?  I put my queen into hibernation back in Nov.  Wondering if Feb or March as that's about when temps start coming up a bit here outdoors.  I know they are very tolerant of cold, so not sure how long they actually need to hibernate for.  It's in the wine fridge at 46F, but thinking of taking her out in next few weeks and into the basement as temps are mid-50s in there.