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jon777: Formica sanguinea colony (26. Okt 2011 17:41)

Hello all!

Ive recently (abou a month ago) purcased a Formica sanguinea colony, however they seem to just be hiding i the nest all the time :?

There is about 30 or so workers and they all sit tightly around the queen. I have been giving them food and water however they still never seem to come out? I know they will be going into hibernation soon but surley not quite now. I was thinking it may be the temperature change with them coming over from germany?
Any ideas?

Many thanks

Jon

Eman: Re: Formica sanguinea colony (27. Okt 2011 13:44)

Maybe, but chill out no worries about them not getting around searching nor foraging, if they need something, they will move.
Don't know much about that specie, but we are getting in the winter already, that means hibernation time, so if they already took some low temperatures, they may be already getting into hibernation.

That is what I think, Wait for an expert tough.

jon777: Re: Formica sanguinea colony (27. Okt 2011 20:19)

Thanks for the reply!

That is a good point, they cant need anything if they arent bothering to come out. Ill keep a close eye on them and keep updating

mati: Re: Formica sanguinea colony (28. Okt 2011 09:23)

Hello and welcome.

That's an interesting species you have chosen. I keep them myself and like watching them a lot. Having reached the end of the second year in keeping Formica sanguinea, I can say that I wasn't able to witness much the first year, either. The colony was of similar strength as yours, and only occasionally did one of the ladies show up outside the nest gathering sugar-water, honey, or protein.
This year, however, they were very active and grew considerably in numbers. Now the colony is in hibernation, but I expect further increase in activity and numbers next year.

Good luck and enjoyment with your ants. Keep us posted, it would be appreciated.

Regards,
mati