Description

This is a monogynous (single-queen), claustral ant species similar to native field ants. They are native to Southern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, and North Africa. They have a single worker caste, and both the queen and workers are brownish-black in color. They can be kept in a relatively dry environment with a few water sources provided, which helps prevent mold and mites. Workers primarily forage at ground level. The colony size reaches only a few hundred workers, so there’s no risk of them outgrowing their space.

Feeding: In addition to sugar or honey and insects, provide small amounts of oily seeds (e.g., walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds).

Reproduction: They reproduce faster in warm conditions. In the first year, they raise 30-50 workers, by the second year, they may reach a population of around 100 workers. A mature colony has only a few hundred workers. Offspring develop without pupal cocoons, so the pupal stage appears white and ant-shaped.

Hibernation: They require hibernation from November to February at 15°C. For more information on hibernation can be found in this video.