Do Ants Hibernate?
No, ants don’t hibernate. They do, however, enter a hibernation-like state called diapause. During this state, ants enter a period of rest where all activity and growth ceases.
In this article, we’ll learn more about diapause as we discuss the following:
- Definition of diapause
- How long do ants stay in diapause?
- Why ants diapause
- Difference between diapause and hibernation
What Is Diapause?
Diapause is a physiological state of dormancy or a period of suspended development. It’s observed in arthropods as a biological strategy to survive changing environmental conditions. For example, ants enter diapause due to changes in daylight and temperature. [1]
This state of dormancy is characterized by metabolic depression. During this state, ants become sluggish or completely immobile. In some cases, they remain capable of doing their daily activities. They will, however, be noticeably slower and less aggressive about foraging. [2]
There are also ants that fall into a state of complete stupor when overwintering. They cease all development and activities including feeding and reproduction.
How Long Do Ants Stay In Diapause?
Ants usually stay in diapause for the entire winter season. This means they stay dormant for an average of 3 to 4 months. However, duration ultimately varies between species. Some ants are able to get out of diapause earlier than others.
For instance, Myrmica ants can get out of diapause from exposure to long photoperiods. In contrast, Formica ants require extended periods of warm conditions to awaken. [3]
That said, ants should generally awaken during spring when the temperature gets warmer. It is then that they emerge from their nests and start foraging again.
Why Do Ants Enter Diapause?
Ants enter diapause as a means to survive extreme conditions. Through diapause, they are able to pass these conditions without expending much energy. This allows them to rest as they wait for the ideal conditions to reemerge. In doing so, they increase the likelihood of successful reproduction and development.
Do All Ants Undergo Diapause?
No, not all ants go into diapause. Most tropical ants, for instance, have no developmental arrests. Also, those that live in temperate climates aren’t adapted to enter diapause. Instead, they enter a cold coma state suffering strong mortality.
How Does Diapause Differ From Hibernation?
Diapause and hibernation differ in that diapause pauses growth and development. Other than that though, they are very much similar. Both are characterized by a metabolically depressed state and general inactivity. They both allow animals to withstand extreme or adverse environmental conditions.
Related Questions
How Do Ants Prepare For Diapause Or The Cold Season?
Ants do a couple of things to prepare for an expected period of dormancy. First off, they eat large amounts of food during autumn to fatten up and build up their energy stores. Doing so will allow them to get through and survive overwintering without having to eat. [4]
They also start organizing their nests to optimize heating. This helps prevent them from freezing to death. Underground ants, for example, seal their nests and burrow deeper underground. Other ants may also take refuge under heat collectors like rocks or tree barks.
Do Ants Die In Winter?
Yes, some ants do die in winter. For example, research has found that Pharaoh ants suffer great mortality in winter. Most of their colonies die out in a month.
Are Ants Cold-Blooded?
Yes, ants are cold-blooded. They don’t generate their own body heat and have to rely on external sources of temperature.
See this article to learn more about ants as cold-blooded animals.
Summary: Do Ants Hibernate?
To summarize, no ants do not technically hibernate. They do however enter a similar state called diapause. This state allows them to pass extreme conditions with minimal energy expenditure.
