Messor Barbarus Diapause Feeding
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2023 12:01 pm
Good Afternoon
I am new getting into the Ant hobby. I got my first Ant Farm after watching a video on youtube and it seemed pretty interesting. As it seems with a lot of research it will sit empty for a tad bit and the test tube is the way to go.
Currently I have the following Ant and supplies.
- Messor barbarus Queen Ant
- AC test tube portal
- Extra Test tubes
- Insect Protien mix ( Food )
- Ant Farm
So from my research the Messor Barbarus diapause in the colder season. I have found a few mixed answers ranging from it ends in January to March. I also read that once a Queen ant mates she will utilize the protien in her wings as a source of food while she is in diapause. My concern is if thats the case, can she survive with just water in the test tube? or should I move her to a new test tube with Sugar water?
I do not want to stress her out. From what I find I should not check in on her more than 1-2 times a week.
Also I should not even consider moving to the ant farm until she has about 10-20 workers?
Any input is very much appreciated. I'm starting from scratch and I know there is a lot to learn for this.
Thank You in advance, and Happy Holidays!
I am new getting into the Ant hobby. I got my first Ant Farm after watching a video on youtube and it seemed pretty interesting. As it seems with a lot of research it will sit empty for a tad bit and the test tube is the way to go.
Currently I have the following Ant and supplies.
- Messor barbarus Queen Ant
- AC test tube portal
- Extra Test tubes
- Insect Protien mix ( Food )
- Ant Farm
So from my research the Messor Barbarus diapause in the colder season. I have found a few mixed answers ranging from it ends in January to March. I also read that once a Queen ant mates she will utilize the protien in her wings as a source of food while she is in diapause. My concern is if thats the case, can she survive with just water in the test tube? or should I move her to a new test tube with Sugar water?
I do not want to stress her out. From what I find I should not check in on her more than 1-2 times a week.
Also I should not even consider moving to the ant farm until she has about 10-20 workers?
Any input is very much appreciated. I'm starting from scratch and I know there is a lot to learn for this.
Thank You in advance, and Happy Holidays!