Description

This is a monogyn (single-queen), claustral, glossy black, heat-loving, resilient, and drought-
tolerant ant species, that establishes colonies consisting of several thousand individuals. It is
polymorphic, workers have three different sizes (minor, media, major). These ants are
aggressive, they have strong bite, but they are not dangerous to humans (they can not penetrate the human
skin). They dig their large nests underground. In open areas they often build quite big mounds above the
ground, to collect the warmth of the sun. In addition to their strong mandibles, they defend themselves
by acid spraying. Workers look for food alone and occasionally they are active at night. The
expected lifespan of the queen can reach up to 10-15 years.

Food: Honey and insects

Colony size: The colony reproduces slowly, raise 10-20 workers in the first year,
but by the second year, they can reach 100 workers. The colony is shy when it has only a few workers, but as they reach several hundred
workers, they become bold and aggressively guard their territory. Higher temperatures can
boost their reproduction.

Hibernation: At 5-8°C, from late November to late March.
For more information, check out this video.