Preparing the whole nest for the winter is a very important and crucial stage in its life. After all, it is necessary to sufficiently insulate the "roof", stock up the right amount of food, withdraw all new individuals. In addition, there are species that do not hibernate for the period of cold weather, but their activity is reduced to a minimum - the workers monitor the condition of the cells, reinforce and repair them if necessary.
How and where do ants winter?
Preparing for the winter with ants - very laborious process. The main part of the work on preparing the colony for the cold is aimed at stocking up the necessary amount of food - seeds, caterpillars, dry plants. In addition, there is a massive feeding of all remaining larvae, as well as checking the available compartments for wintering and, if necessary, digging new ones.
This is necessary in order for individuals not to freeze - a constant warm microenvironment is kept in them all the time.
All the main outlets from the colony are carefully blocked with clay, earth, and dry plants. However, during thaws, some may temporarily open for ventilation.
If during the winter period, the upper part of the nest is wetted, a special detachment drags all supplies into deeper compartments.
What do ants do in winter? Some species of ants sleep in winter, but their organs function in slow motion. The rest continue to work, but their activity drops significantly. The ant's body can withstand temperatures up to -50 degrees. This is achieved through the accumulation of large amounts of sugary substances.
Ants spend the winter in their anthill, moving to special deep chambers. This time they do not sleep, but they reduce activity to a minimum. The process of preparing for the cold includes the creation of stocks, the withdrawal of the remaining larvae and the creation of new compartments for wintering.
A photo
Next you will see a photo of ants wintering:
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