Where Ants Go in Winter
WouterDuring the winter months, ants go through a phase called dormancy. They are not necessarily dead, but their activity decreases and they start to gather in a warm place to keep warm. They may become active again when the weather warms up.
Some species of ants will build special chambers underground to conserve heat and keep warm. Others will use heat from decomposing leaves. Depending on the species, the ants may live for up to ten years. Some will split up into smaller colonies, which increase their chances of survival.
There are also plenty of tricks that ants use to regulate their temperatures. Some ants create massive mounds of dirt above their nests to absorb the radiant heat of the sun. Others will gather in groups to share body heat.
During the winter months, most ants will enter into a state of dormancy. They will not lay eggs, but they will use very little energy. They will enter into a phase called diapause, which is similar to hibernation. They will also open up the entrance to their nest. They will also begin to seek out food and water.
While it is true that ants are cold-blooded, they have devised some pretty smart tricks to stay warm. They will gather in groups to share body heat, and they will also cover specific ants that are suited to cold weather.
The winter ant, also known as the Prenolepis imparis, is a species of ant that has adapted to survive cold temperatures. It is active from November through March.
