How Cold Can Ants Live?
WouterDuring the colder months, many species of ants will go underground to survive. The ants may create large mounds of dirt to absorb radiant heat from the sun. Other ants will huddle together for warmth. Some of the ants even take shelter in trees or under tree bark.
Some ants will also store food as glycogen in their bodies. This can be converted into energy if it is stored in the right way.
When the temperature drops to below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, ants enter into a “diapause” state. In this state, ants do not do much except sleep and conserve energy.
Another thing ants do in the cold is store extra fat below the skin. This fat can help them survive through the winter months. The fat will also help them avoid freezing to death.
They also have a hard exoskeleton which will help them retain heat. They will also use southern exposure rock surfaces to warm themselves.
Another thing ants do is use their small size to their advantage. They have a higher surface area to volume ratio than larger animals. This means that they lose heat more efficiently.
The ants may also use glycerol, a compound found in antifreeze, to regulate their body temperature. This process, which is known as glycerol conversion, helps prevent the formation of ice crystals in their bodies. This process also reduces the risk of ants dying of hypothermia.
Another thing ants do in the winter is to make use of their exoskeletons to protect them from the cold. Some ants will even use their bodies to help shield the queen.
