sithmaster676: Ants blocking entrance to test tube (2. Nov 2006 07:47)

hi
my lasius niger colony arrived about 4 weeks ago, i placed the test tube into my tank and feed them and left them to do there work they blocked the test tube entrance half way so they could get in and out then suddenly the whole entrance was blocked and there is now no way for them to get out.
i dont think it is because they are hibernating as i have an heating lamp on them through the course of the day which keeps them at roughly between 10 and 20 degrees c
any suggestions would be appreciatted
Sithmaster676

mpir: (2. Nov 2006 09:16)

By reading some of the old topics you would really learn alot. :wink:

Nevertheless, no need to worry. You must understand that in nature the biggest enemy of a new colony are ants themselfs. They don't like competition so most of the species will kill or enslave other ants in area. So until the new colony is big enough they will block themselfs underground and stay hidden. No need to worry. Small colonies don't need a lot of energy. It's a small sistem if you want. As long as they have water they'll be fine. And if they block the entrance they can sure unblock it if they want.

JimmyVe: (2. Nov 2006 16:44)

no comment to that ;)

Mpir is right, you don't have to worry yet. but like i sad, wouldn't you consider hibernation ? (i now the colony is very young, but in nature they are to now)

Greets

NuEM: (2. Nov 2006 19:20)

It might very well be they try to hibernate despite you keeping them warm. Either way it would be the best for you and them to just put them into hibernation. They need hibernation to grow next year.

sithmaster676: hibernation (3. Nov 2006 08:07)

hi all
thanks for all the replies i hav a heating lamp on them at the moment which turns on roughly 6:45 am and turns off at 5:15 pm should i make it so the light is not on as long through the day to slowly decrease the temp or just turn it off completely.
and also i dont hav to worry about water as there is a lot of condensation inside the tank cause they are kept in my outside shed :)
Sithmaster676

mpir: (3. Nov 2006 12:58)

Bring down temprerature gradually. If the temperature in shed is low when the light is off, then I guess it makes no point to keeping it on.

JimmyVe: (3. Nov 2006 17:37)

indeed you have to bring the temperature down slowly.

sithmaster676: (3. Nov 2006 19:45)

hi all
i now have placed a blanket over the top of the tank to make sure it doesntget a frost in there :D
which will make me feel better as frost will not enter the tank
thanks for the replies
Sithmaster676

JimmyVe: (4. Nov 2006 08:49)

That is a good idea Sithmaster676, normally ant survive temperature below 0 but I'm not found of it nether i try to keep them between 5 and 10°c.

sithmaster676: Ants blocking entrance to test tube (4. Nov 2006 09:24)

hi all
t 2 think this is a good idea as my colony is only small (about 15 ants strong including queen) so it is properly best to make sure that it does stay at a nice temperature seeming that my tank is kept outside. (in my shed which gets really but not cold enough to frost) :D

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