Prenolepis imparis (Winter Ants)

Prenolepis imparis, also known as the winter ant, is a species of ants specially known for the presence of repletes, meaning they have workers which store large amounts of food. This species is very cold resistant, and so wakes up early to gather as much food as possible before hunkering down for the rest of year. (Or fall too, in Canada) Down in the south, this species has been recorded not eating for as long as 8 months. Instead of storing food directly, they create a dense fatty tissue, which they live on for most of the year.

 Not the easiest species, but one of the coolest for sure

This species does better in groups of multiple queens, and so it is recommended to get several, and found them in the same test tube. It is relevant, though, that northern populations are less tolerant (though I have seen queens succeed together) (You are also able to combine multiple colonies with workers)

Image credit: Otter, Aaron's Anstagram

Wild pictures come from Max Hike :) Follow him on Instagram at @maxhikephotography

Test tube inserts are upgrades to the test tube setups provided. If purchased, they come with a dark hood to lower light levels for the colony, an insert which provides a living space, and a feeding insert to provide food for the colony.

Ungrouted inserts are a blank plastic insert which helps provide a more suitable space for the ants to grip (as opposed to glass tubes), while grouted inserts are bedded with a substrate which helps distribute humidity more evenly throughout the test tube, and helps certain ants create their cocoons more easily. Overall, grouted inserts are more comfortable for the ants.

You will NOT need an insert for colonies in test tubes, but it does help for certain species. IF you are moving the ants into a nest immediately, do NOT get a test tube insert.

Hey! This is a live product. If you are purchasing ants during the winter months, please remember to purchase the "Winter Shipping (Live Guarantee) (72 hour heat pack + 1 inch foam cushion)" in order to guarantee the order.

Just a warning, we will NOT ship live ants into the US unless the receiver has a permit. If such an order is made, it will be refunded, minus a 10% processing fee and restocking fee

This product is from Canada Ant Colony. The full catalogue, including all variants, can be found at https://canada-ant-colony.com