Description

This species is recommended for beginners, because it’s easy to keep. This ant is monogynous (single queen), and claustral. It is very common in our country. They are aggressive and highly territorial, they neutralize all the other insects entering in their territory. They use their strong mandibles and stinger for fighting.  These ants adopt well to any conditions, and reproduce fast. There is only one worker cast, the queen and the workers are both brownish black, workers can be reddish sometimes.  They make their nest into the soil, and prefer open and sunny habitats. We can find them in cracks of footways. The entrance of the nest is characteristic, recognizable by the sand pieces which are surrounding the entrance. They can tolerate drought, can be kept in dry conditions, with some watering spots, to prevent the appearance of mites. Workers look for food on the ground.

In the spring, we can see the colonies fighting with each other for territory and food resources. Traditions said, “ants predict rain”, but in this season rainfall is common occurrence.

Food: Besides honey and insects, give them oily seeds, like nut, peanut or sunflower seed, to provide all the necessary nutrients.

Reproduction: They reproduce faster in warm condition. In the first year they may raise 30-50 workers, by the second year, the number of workers can reach up to a few hundred. The mature colony consists of several thousand workers. The offspring develop without pupa, so the pupal form is white and ant shaped.

Hibernation: At 5-8°C, from the end of november to March. For more information, check this video.