Description

This is a monogynous, small sized, claustral ant species, that founds a colony consisting of just a few hundred workers. The whole colony can be kept in a small enclosure. It is a mediterranean, relatively rare species, that comes from South-Europe. They make their nests under stones, or into twigs, branches, acorns, also under bark of trees. They climb well, forage in the vertical direction, and they tolerate drought. Queens and workers are both reddish yellow. Recommended for beginners, but they need special care and patient. We have to pay attention to the smallest gaps, and be aware of water and food in order to avoid workers from stucking in. Workers are shy, avoid conflict with other ants and insects. They do not hunt, we have to feed them with dead insects only. They defend themselves by using stingers, but they’d rather escape or hide, if they can.

Food: Honey and insects, and also a small amount of oily seeds, like nut, sunflower seed etc., to provide all the necessary nutrients.

Reproduction: They raise only 3-10 workers in the first year. In the second year the number of the colony can reach up to 30-50 workers. A few hundred workers  appear in a mature colony. The offspring develop without pupae, so the pupal form is white and ant-shaped.

Hibernating: From November to February, at 15°C. For more information, check out this video.