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
Wild pictures come from Max Hike :) Follow him on Instagram at @maxhikephotography
What's a test tube insert? Find out here!