When Do Ants Hibernate?
WouterDuring winter, when the weather turns cold, most species of ants go dormant. Interestingly, this is not a complete loss of energy. In fact, the ants will regain their energy when warmer weather returns.
During this time, the ants will go underground to conserve energy. Ants store fat in the fall, which will help them to survive the winter. They will also convert carbohydrates into energy for the winter months.
The length of the hibernation cycle is determined by the ant’s metabolism and the amount of fat that the ant has stored. Depending on the species, the hibernation will last for a period of three to four months.
The average ant colony may consist of 20,000 individuals during the summer. Some species will have fungus gardens in their nests that are used to sustain both the adults and the larva. The ants’ metabolism is slowest at night.
The ants’ body temperature is slowed down by the cold, and the metabolic rate is sped up by glycerol, a compound that helps prevent the formation of ice crystals in the ant’s body.
The ants’ winter season is much colder than the summer. It can be very cold below the ground, and ants will go without food and water. A large rock is a great place for ants to hide during the winter. The rocks also provide a source of heat for the ants.
Aside from the ants’ winter hibernation, ants are also very active during the colder months. They will clean up debris, such as animal carcasses, on the sidewalks and roads. They will also tidy up vegetation. Some ants will enter buildings at any time of year.
