(1) Species from Southern Europe with higher requirements towards food and climate as well as escape prevention
Distribution:
Southern Europe, Southern European Peninsula, North Africa
Habitat:
Sand- and shrub areas
Colonyform:
polygyne
Queen:
Size: 6 - 6,5mm Colour: blackish brown
Worker:
Size: 1,5 - 3mm Colour: yellow to brownish yellow
Soldier:
Males:
Size: 4 - 4,8mm Colour: black
Nutrition
Honeywater, insects
Airhumidity:
Arena: 30 - 50% Nestpart: 50 - 70%
Temperature:
Arena: 25 - 30°C Nestpart: 21 - 28°C
Hibernation:
yes, from end of November until end of February at 15°C
Nestform:
Build their nest in soil and under stones
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder, Ytong/Plasternest, Acrylflatfarm, Digfix
Formicaria size:
Size:S
Substrate:
Farm: Sand-Loam Arena: Sand, Sand-Loam
Planting:
similar to Savanahareas with grass and other plants
Decoration:
Branches, Roots, Treeneedels, Stones
Description:
This species is one of the smallest ants in Germany. In their natural environment they collect brood from other ants. They are often associated with their host ants e.g. Lasius spec. or Serviformica spec. .
Development:
matingflight: August - October founding: claustral (without feeding) colonysize: up to 100.000 Individuals
Quantity:
one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)