Description

A monogynous (single-queen), claustral ant species native to Southern Europe. Both the queen and the workers are dusky black in color. They have a distinctive posture, holding their abdomen raised. In nature, they live under stones or dead wood in forest edge areas, preferring medium to high humidity levels. The long-legged workers can cover large areas and mostly forage at ground level, rarely climbing higher. They actively modify their environment. It is recommended to keep them in a larger formicarium; they are easy to care for and suitable for beginners.

Feeding: Besides honey and insects, they can occasionally be given small amounts of oily seeds (e.g., walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds) to provide all the necessary nutrients for them.

Reproduction: Initially, they reproduce slowly.  In the first year, they raise 30-40 workers,  by the second year, the colony may reach several hundred workers. In a mature colony, there are several thousand workers.

Hibernation: They require hibernation at 15°C from late November to February.