5 replies to this topic

[NikolaBale]

Since my ants are in a slow state because of the upcoming hibernation i feed them quite less than i do usually because i think that in that state they use much less food (energy) now my question is do ants need energy reserves  during the hibernation something like a bear??.So i could know do i need to feed them just before hubernation so they are full?

 

 

Thank you! Have a nice day!

[TheIndianAntkeeper]

No need to feed during hibernation!

[Mettcollsuss]

I had the same question. There is no need to feed them during hibernation. For the first few weeks, the ants may still seem to be awake and moving, however, this is normal. It takes a couple weeks of cold temperatures to trigger full hibernation mode.

[KBant]

to answer your questions. 

 

You are correct in assuming that ants need energy reserves to last during their diapause/ hibernation similar to a bear. Since they barely move, they don't need feeding either because they should have enough energy reserved. Ants have a biological clock built in telling them when colder month are approaching and you'll notice that they begin to forage less, and certain species will also have swollen gasters indicating they're saving food/energy for the winter.

 

to answer your second question, it can't hurt to give them a meal before hibernation, maybe their favorite sugar water and protein. They may not eat as much as they normally would, especially if they're full from already saving up food in their gasters. 

 

good luck with hibernation! 

Edited by KBant, November 22 2017 - 5:20 AM.

[NikolaBale]

to answer your questions.

You are correct in assuming that ants need energy reserves to last during their diapause/ hibernation similar to a bear. Since they barely move, they don't need feeding either because they should have enough energy reserved. Ants have a biological clock built in telling them when colder month are approaching and you'll notice that they begin to forage less, and certain species will also have swollen gasters indicating they're saving food/energy for the winter.

to answer your second question, it can't hurt to give them a meal before hibernation, maybe their favorite sugar water and protein. They may not eat as much as they normally would, especially if they're full from already saving up food in their gasters.

good luck with hibernation!

First of all thank you for such a detailed anwser.Now back to the question i assumed that the ants would not need any food during this period but my ants are so dear to me that i had to find a straight answer and i think that goes for every ant keeper...Thnx again you made my worries go away.

[KBant]

no problem glad to help. look forward to your ants waking from their slumber and laying a bunch of eggs!