3 replies to this topic

[Rubenvis24]

I was wondering how hibernation will affect brood. Won't the larvae require feeding during this period? And won't the nanitics starve when they eclose?

[Penguin]

     Certain genus of ants like Formica. Sp do not have any brood during or right before hibernation, while others such as Camponotus. Sp will stop the growth of larvae and all existing pupae or eggs will die while the larvae will hibernate like the rest of the colony and wake up after hibernation as well. Good question 

 

If anyone more experienced than me can answer this more thoroughly than I have please do so for extra clarity. 

 

EDIT: Nanitecs/workers will not eclose because there will either be no pupae prior to hibernation, or it has died during hibernation and larvae will have stopped developing so they cannot become pupae either. (I didn't notice you were from the Netherlands I am not sure if these "rules" apply to your species)

Edited by Penguin, October 26 2017 - 12:33 PM.

[Works4TheGood]

I just let nature take its course in this respect. I just put them gradually into hibernation mode and let the ants make those decisions for me. I've never had a problem.

[Rubenvis24]

Thanks for the responses!