ANTSTORE World of Ants

[RUFFUS]

I have just bought a colonie of Lasius niger, reading the post's it would seem that they require a hibination period?
The question I have is this.
The colonie has eggs and pupa as well 10 workers would a drop in the temp not kill these off? if this is true can the queen survive if allowed to continue this year?
Thanks in advance
RUFFUS

[Fabian]

Good Morning!

Yes, they need hibernation and you should give it to them, as you may know, not giving them hibernation shortens their live and fertility!

If the Worker and the Queen are very active, means they are moving very much (at least the workers) you can think about ending the hibernation now, but i would put them in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 weaks or longer, normally the hibernation ends at the middle of march.

And, yes, you are right, the eggs "die" if they are not dead yet, but larva and workers will survive (may be one workers dies, but thats normal).

When you keep the colony at room temperature at the moment, you have to lower the temperature carefully and step by step! May be you ve read this already! So dont put them from 21°C to 5°C within a day or 2!

[delirium]

Hello Ruffus!

Welcome to the board!

Yes, you (whole) colony needs a hibination period! The queen, all workers and all larva will "survive" (although, this is a important period for the colony). They will "wake up" in april. Till then, they need a enviroment temperature of 6°-8°C! Maybe in the fridge...

Greets...

[RUFFUS]

Many thanks for that information I will start a slow reduction in temp today and by next week they should all be asleep, Im sure that a little hibanation period is better than none.
Thanks to all and advice is always welcome
RUFFUS

[JimmyVe]

Hi Ruffus and welcome.

Looks like you gate all the advice you need.
Keep us updated, hope your colony does well.

Happy ant keeping.

[RUFFUS]

It would seem so, I placed the tube into a horizontal 'farm' filled with a sandy mixture and already they have moved the queen and the young ( I think got find my glasses) and have begun to build a wall around the area, Im amazed, I expected to have to wait a'month or so', Im going to place them by the outlet to the computer first, the output from the fan will reduce the temp by a couple of degrees, then its out to hall and then the shed,again
Thanks to all and HI

[RUFFUS]

Just a short update they are all gathered together with brood and very slow just twitching.
Been in the garden and there are ants scurrying about all be it slower than you normally see them!

[JimmyVe]

Looks like they are okay.

Keep us informed.