First year for diapause

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NKantsalberta
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First year for diapause

Post: # 54408Post NKantsalberta
Tue Dec 04, 2018 10:04 pm

Hello! I am in Alberta, Canada. I am curious if my first year ant queens/ colonies can survive freezing over the winter hibernation? I currently have them in an insulated unit in my garage. They have been at 5-10 celcius since mid October. the outside temp has not been lower than -16 celcius. Should I be maintaining them at an above 0 temp, or will they be okay with what nature throws at them? Lasius Parasite Queen with host lasius neo-niger/ Lasius sp, myrmica sp and workers / brood, formica fusca, and camponotus novae boracensis queens with brood

I plan to keep them above -10celsius

any input appreciated!

Cheers!
GAN farmer for Edmonton and area, Alberta, Canada.

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Helianthus
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Re: First year for diapause

Post: # 54410Post Helianthus
Wed Dec 05, 2018 7:32 am

Woah. Are they still alive after -16? I wouldn't advise risking your hard work with such low temps. Is there a mini-fridge or somewhere more insulated you could put them like a cold closet or basement?

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antnest8
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Re: First year for diapause

Post: # 54411Post antnest8
Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:57 am

well the lasius parasite queen would do ok because i found dome outside under a log literally sitting on the Ice and still Alive. as for the workers and brood They will not fair as well. some ants have anti-freeze chemicals in the hemolyph, like your camponotus ants, but most do not since they usually stay underground at at around 10 degrees Celsius with it dropping as low as 4 Celsius. so I would move your colonies to a warmer area. If you want to keep your camponotus ants there you can keep them but still at a bit of a risk.
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NKantsalberta
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Re: First year for diapause

Post: # 54537Post NKantsalberta
Fri Dec 07, 2018 5:44 pm

Helianthus wrote:
Wed Dec 05, 2018 7:32 am
Woah. Are they still alive after -16? I wouldn't advise risking your hard work with such low temps. Is there a mini-fridge or somewhere more insulated you could put them like a cold closet or basement?
Lol they havent dropped below 4 celsius yet as they are in my garage, just the outside temp. I'm most likely moving them into the basement once it gets colder
GAN farmer for Edmonton and area, Alberta, Canada.

Facebook/Instagram : @NKantsalberta

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NKantsalberta
Posts: 182
Joined: Wed May 23, 2018 6:48 pm
Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta
Contact:

Re: First year for diapause

Post: # 54538Post NKantsalberta
Fri Dec 07, 2018 5:46 pm

antnest8 wrote:
Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:57 am
well the lasius parasite queen would do ok because i found dome outside under a log literally sitting on the Ice and still Alive. as for the workers and brood They will not fair as well. some ants have anti-freeze chemicals in the hemolyph, like your camponotus ants, but most do not since they usually stay underground at at around 10 degrees Celsius with it dropping as low as 4 Celsius. so I would move your colonies to a warmer area. If you want to keep your camponotus ants there you can keep them but still at a bit of a risk.
Thank you for your input! The camponotus have finally entered diapause, but everyone else is still active at 4 Celsius.
GAN farmer for Edmonton and area, Alberta, Canada.

Facebook/Instagram : @NKantsalberta

Alberta Keeper's FB Group : Alberta Ant Keepers and Enthusiasts

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