2 replies to this topic

[megaxoplasma]

Hey guys, I been looking at the ant caresheets and I noticed that some of my ants have different recorded(as in journals of other people) hibernation temperature

 

for example my lasius prefer 39 to 45 but crematogaster prefer 46 to 50

 

my fridge is about 39-45 and I am thinking of hibernating my lasius there however I don;t no if I can put crematogasters in there too.

 

How would you deal with this problem? not just specifically for my case but generally if your species have diff temperature, or is it ok to just have them all hibernate near similar low temp?? like 40 to 50?? This is my first time hibernating my ants and I don't want to kill them, thus I ask for your help everyone.

 

Thank You

 

#AntLove

[Antsinmycloset]

I suspect you'll be fine if you just set the fridge as warm as possible and proceeding as planned. 45-50 degrees seems like a functional catch-all range.

Keep in mind most temperature recommendations are on the warm side to reduce winter mortality rates, not because that's the absolute limit of the species. Species are generally capable of tolerating colder temperatures, sometimes MUCH colder. The goal here is to go only as cold and long as necessary for good health.

[Nathant2131]

I wouldn't rely too heavily on a species' "preferred hibernation temps" as there, as far as my knowledge goes, been no reliable tests on what specific temperature a species does best in hibernation. Hibernation is just one of those many things in the hobby that aren't backed up with much data or credibility. I would just go with something generalized, like Antsinmycloset mentioned.