(1) however in small basins they make easily use of formic acid
Distribution:
all above Europe
Habitat:
extremely thermophil, prefers sandy areas (e.g riverbeds, Forestedges)
Colonyform:
polygyne
Queen:
Size: 12 mm Colour: black - grey, silver shine
Worker:
Size: 6 - 8 mm Colour: black - grey,silver shine
Soldier:
not present
Males:
Size: - Colour:
Nutrition:
Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosquitos
Airhumidity:
Arena: 30 - 50% Nestpart: 50 - 60%
Temperature:
Arena: 18 - 28°C Nestpart: 21 - 24°C
Hibernation:
yes, from end of October until end of March at 5 - 8°C
Nestform:
Build their nest in soil or under stones
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder, Ytong/ Plaster, Digfix
Formicaria size:
Size:M
Substrate:
Farm: Sand - Loam Arena: Sand - Loam
Planting:
like grassland
Decoration:
Branches, Roots, Treeneedels,
Description:
Formica cinerea is a very aggressive ant. As a adaption to their open range habitat they use visual orientation. They overwhelm and transport large prey in small cooperating groups.
Development:
matingflight: on warm days mid - may to the end of june at 22 - 28°C , founding: claustral (without feeding) colonysize: up to 10.000 Individuals
Quantity:
one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)