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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2012 4:11:42 GMT 1
Quite a simple question really.... Do Messor barbarus or capitatus NEED to hibernate? If I can avoid it, it would be better as keeping them at the temperature needed for them to hibernate is a little awkward, maintaining it being the problem. I've read from people they don't need to hibernate and some say they do, I understand that people say it increases the life-span of the queen and is a break for the colony. But from what I've gathered is it entirely necessary? Thanks
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Post by Myrm on Aug 14, 2012 8:11:31 GMT 1
I once emailed the author of Ants At Work (Deborah Gordon) and asked her what would happen if an ant colony that normally hibernates was prevented from doing so. It was some years ago and so I can't remember whether she answered that question personally or whether she referred me to somebody else who was able to answer, though I am sure it was the former. The answer was that there was no real detrimental effect to not allowing them to hibernate, after all, colonies studied in labs or museums do not hibernate, though the latter tend to be species that do not hibernate. I was told that not hibernating a hibernating species could cause a shortening of life but not to such a great extent that real damage was caused to the colony. I tend to hibernate my ants every 2 years in the past.
Hope this helps.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2012 9:02:46 GMT 1
do you have to hibernate l niger??
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Post by Myrm on Aug 14, 2012 9:04:13 GMT 1
do you have to hibernate l niger?? Hi Chicken Bin Lid I always believe it is best to mimic your ants' environment as close to nature as possible, therefore if it is possible for you to hibernate them then do so, but if you decide not to they should be fine.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2012 9:08:07 GMT 1
to hibernate do you just have to drop the temperature?
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Post by Myrm on Aug 14, 2012 9:15:52 GMT 1
to hibernate do you just have to drop the temperature? Yes, to below 5 degrees C
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2012 9:16:42 GMT 1
Yes to about 10 degrees I think. edit: 5 degrees
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2012 9:24:08 GMT 1
so if i leave it in my car port thinngy then it should be cool enough for the ants to at least go into partial hibernation
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Post by Myrm on Aug 14, 2012 9:25:08 GMT 1
so if i leave it in my car port thinngy then it should be cool enough for the ants to at least go into partial hibernation Yes
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2012 9:28:05 GMT 1
ok thanks myrm
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Post by Myrm on Aug 14, 2012 9:31:47 GMT 1
No proplem
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