Correct Term: Dormant or Hibernate? « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

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Correct Term: Dormant or Hibernate?

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BedBugMutts

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Nov 6 2011 16:25:20
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I was under the impression the correct term is dormant when referring to bed bugs down time between available feedings. In the last few days I have come across several government sites that refer to bed bugs hibernating. Before I contact the website, does anyone have a source I can quote from on the correct terminology? Thanks, Ken.
KillerQueen

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Nov 6 2011 20:24:39
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I've been told they don't hibernate at all. And when I hear anyone worth listening to they use the term ... dormant "like stage". They don't really go dormant when a host is available or when temps are favorable. I do know they will slow their metabolism down when both are an issue.

I don't have a reference for this type of information, sorry.
BedBugMutts

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Nov 6 2011 20:39:17
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Thanks KillerQueen. At lease I know I am on the right track. Ken
jrbtnyc

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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Nov 8 2011 19:57:06
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Non-expert comment: « hibernate » normally means quiescence during wintertime, since « hiber- » is a root for « winter » . Therefore I believe « hibernate » would be technically incorrect as applied to bed bugs because their quiescence can occur in any season, not just in winter, if it's because of unavailability of food.
BedBugMutts

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Posted 1 year ago
Wed Nov 9 2011 21:45:02
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Thank you jrbtnyc...you provide great detail/background. Ken
EffeCi

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Posted 1 year ago
Thu Nov 10 2011 2:59:00
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Slumber....?
BedBugMutts

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Posted 1 year ago
Thu Nov 10 2011 9:25:42
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EffeCi - 'slumber' - LOL; invokes too vivid a picture of the suckers sleeping peacefully dreaming of an endless flow of sustinence. Ken
AshamedandScratching

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Posted 1 year ago
Thu Nov 10 2011 10:47:02
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Do bedbug mommas tell their nymphs to "Sleep Tight. Don't let the humans whack you?"
Louise

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Posted 1 year ago
Thu Nov 10 2011 11:07:26
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BedBugMutts - 1 hour ago »
EffeCi - 'slumber' - LOL; invokes too vivid a picture of the suckers sleeping peacefully dreaming of an endless flow of sustinence. Ken

Ummm, yeah. That's probably exactly what they're doing, those sneaky bugs.

AshamedandScratching - 18 minutes ago » Do bedbug mommas tell their nymphs to "Sleep Tight. Don't let the humans whack you?"

Or perhaps, "Sleep tight. Don't let the humans fight."