- Formica (Raptiformica) sanguinea
Latin Name:Formica (Raptiformica) sanguinea
Trivialname:Slave-maker ant
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Formicinae Tribe: Formicini
Keeping Level:(2) in small basins they make easily use of their formicacid
Distribiution:all above europe
Habitate:extremely thermophil, prefers sandy areas (e.g riverbeds, Forestedges), dry Grassland
Colonyform:polygyn
Queen:Size: 9 - 11mm Colour: Head and Thorax red, Gaster black
Worker:Size: 6 - 9mm Colour: Head and Thorax red, Gaster black
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 7 - 10mm Colour: black
Nutrion:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosqitos
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, in treestumps and dead wood
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder, Ytong/ Plaster
Formicaria size:Size: M
Substrate:Farm: Sand - Loam Arena: Sand - Loam
Planting:like grassland
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels
Description:Raptifomica sanguinea is socialparasitic Ant which is associated with many related ants of the subgenus Serviformica. They raid the pupae of the slaveants in their nest so they will behave like the slave-makers.
Development:matingflight: on warm days mid - may to the end of june at 22 - 28°C
founding: claustral (without feeding)
colonysize: a few 1.000 Individuals
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
Formica (Raptiformica) sanguinea Formicarium
- Tetramorium impurum:
Latin Name:Tetramorium impurum
Trivialname:-
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Myrmicinae Tribe: Tetramoriini
Keeping Level:(1) suitable for beginners, but good escape prevention necessary
Distribution:can be found all across centraleurope
Habitate:prefers xerothermic openland, sunexposed Forestedges, in urbanareas on sealed spaces, often as houseant
Colonyform:monogyne
Queen:Size: 6 - 8mm Colour: brown- black
Worker:Size: 2 - 4mm Colour: brown- black
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 5 - 7mm Colour: black
Nutrion:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosquitos, seeds
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, under stones
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylflatformacira, Ytong/Plasternest
Formicaria size:Size: S - M
Substrate:Farm: Sand-Loam Arena: Sand, Loam
Planting:like grassland
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels, Stones
Description:aggressive ants which show high activity during warmdays. This specie is an important host forStrongylognathus testaceus and Anergates astratulus.
Development:matingflight: from july to august
founding: claustral (without feeding)
colonysize: up to 10 000 workers
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
- Lasius fuliginosus :
Tetramorium impurum
- Manica rubida
Latin Name:Manica rubida
Trivialname:-
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Myrmicinae Tribe: Myrmicini
Keeping Level:(2) react sensitive on moisture, they have a potent sting
Distribiution:Central- and Southeurope mainly between 500 and 2000m
Habitate:prefers sandy soil in riverbeds or gravelpits, moderate thermophil
Colonyform:older colonies become polygyn (secondary polygyny)
Queen:Size: 9,5 - 13mm Colour: reddish brown, shiny
Worker:Size: 6 - 9mm Colour: reddish - redbrown
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 8 - 12 mm Colour: shiny black , slim
Nutrion:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosqitos
Airhumidity:Arena: 30 - 50% Nestpart: 50 - 70%
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 under wood with greater underground areas
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Combi, Island, Ytong/Plaster, Cork
Formicaria size:Size: M
Substrate:Farm: Sand-Loam Arena: Sand, Sand-Loam
Planting:similar to Forest- and Mountainsarea with moss, grass and other plants
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels
Description:Active Hunters which can also kill bigger insects, by stinging. Not very aggressive but will attack and are hard to be taken over by other ants.
Development:matingflight: on warm mid- days from the end of april to the end of june
founding: semiclaustral (queen collects food)
from Egg to adult worker approx. 8 - 12 Weeks (depending on temperature).
colonysize: a few 1000 indivudals
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
- Lasius brunneus :
Latin Name:Lasius (Lasius s. str.) brunneus
Trivialname:Brown Garden Ant
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Formicinae Tribe: Lasiini
Keeping Level:(2) often found as houseant can they infiltrate woodconstruction and thermal insulation
Distribiution:all over Europe, Northafrica
Habitate:inhabit open spaces in forest, can also be found in urban areas
Colonyform:monogyn, rarely oligogyn
Queen:Size: 6,5 - 8,5 mm Colour: Head / Thorax black, Gaster darkbown, legs yellow
Worker:Size: 2,5 - 4 mm Colour: Head and Gaster dark, thorax yellish brown
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 4 - 5 mm Colour: black , slim
Nutrion:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosqitos
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 dead wood, big colonies build sometimes nestparts under stone
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder
Formicaria size:Size: S - M
Substrate:Farm: cork, wood Arena: Sand-Loam
Planting:similar to Forest- and Sandareas moss, grass and other plants
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels, stones
Description:Lasius brunneus is shy ant which avoid aggressiv encounters with other ants.
Development:matingflight: on warm days end of June- mid of July
founding: claustral (without feeding)
colonysize: -
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Manica Rubida! (from the antstore)
Lasius (Lasius s. str.) brunneus
Ants: Formica (Serviformica) cunicularia evacuating pupae
- Formica (Serviformica) cunicularia :
Latin Name:Formica (Serviformica) cunicularia
Trivialname:Redbacked Slaveant
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Formicinae Tribe: Formicini
Keeping Level:(1) however in small basins they make easily use of formic acid
Distribution:all above Europe, North Africa
Habitat:prefers open sunexposed areas, often be found in anthropogenic disturbed areas
Colonyform:monogyn, rarely polygyne
Queen:Size: 9 - 11 mm Colour: mainly grey with reddish legs and parts of the thorax
Worker:Size: 4 - 6,5 mm Colour: head and gaster grey, thorax reddish
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 9 - 10 mm Colour: black , slim
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 under stones or in small mounds of soil
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder, Ytong/Plaster
Formicaria size:Size: S - M
Substrate:Farm: Sand-Loam Arena: Sand-Loam
Planting:similar to Forestedges with moss, grass and other plants
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels,
Description:Can be found at sunny, dry places and at forest edges. Normally shy but huge colonies can be very aggressive and fearless towards other ant species.
The entrances to the main nest are always well hidden. They can often be found as a slaveant for Raptiformica sanguinea or Polyergus rufescens
Development:matingflight: on warm days end of june to august early middays ,
founding: claustral (without feeding) but also Pleometrosis is possible.
from Egg to adult worker approx. 8 - 10 Weeks.
colonysize: up to 2. 000 Individuals
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
Latin Name:Lasius (Dendrolasius) fuliginosus
Trivialname:Jet - Black Ant
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Formicinae Tribe: Lasiini
Keeping Level:(2) they have a preference for wood, can cause possible damages in woodconstructions
Distribiution:all above Europe, moderate climate asia
Habitate:prefers deciduous forest and mixed forest, especialy tree with many honeydew insects are prefered
Colonyform:polygyn
Queen:Size: 6 - 6,5mm Colour: shiny black
Worker:Size: 4 - 6mm Colour: shiny black
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 3,5 - 4,5mm Colour: black , slim
Nutrion:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosqitos
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 dead wood,
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder, Ytong/Plasternests
Formicaria size:Size: S - M
Substrate:Farm: Cork, Wood Arena: Sand-Loam
Planting:similar to Forest- and Sandareas moss, grass and other plants
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels, Stones
Description:one of the most abundant ants in germany which culitvate an fungus for strenghten their nestconstructions. Their colonies can be up to 2 million ants.
Development:matingflight: on warm days mid - may to the end of june at 22 - 28°C ,
founding: socialparasite in Lasius umbratus, Lasius sabularum, Lasius jensi
colonysize: up to 2 000 000 Individuals
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
Lasius Fuliginosus adoption
- Formica (Serviformica) lemani :
Latin Name :Formica (Serviformica) lemani
Trivialname:-
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Formicinae Tribe: Formicini
Keepinglevel:(1) easy to keep, just in too small basins they could be using too much formicacid if getting stressed
Distribution:Centraleurope above 1000m not in lowland
Habitate:inhabits woodlands, heaths and moors
Colonyform:polygyne
Queen:Size: 10 - 12mm Colour: black with silver shine similar to Formica fusca
Worker:Size: 3 - 6mm Colour: black with silver shine
Soldier:not present
Males:-
Nutrition:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosquitos
rel. AirhumidityArena: 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 under stones
Kind of Formicaria
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder, Ytong/Plaster
FormicariasizeSize: M - L
Substrate:Farm: Sand- Loam Arena: Sand-Loam
Planting:similar to Forest- and Mountainsarea with moss, grass and other plants
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels,
Description:Formica lemani is abundant in the upland of Europe. This specie is often found as a slaveant for Formica sanguinea and Polyergus rufescens, which rob their pupae during their marauding trips.
Development:matingflight: on warm days from july to august ,
founding: claustral (without feeding) but fission is possible.
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
Formica lemani new queens and a princess messor.
- Lasius (Chthonolasius) umbratus :
Latin Name:Lasius (Chthonolasius) umbratus
Trivialname:Yellow Shadowant
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Formicinae Tribe: Lasiini
Keeping Level:(2) needs a host- ant for founding
Distribiution:from scandinavia to spain, eastborder casastan
Habitate:open grassland and woodland, often in ruralareas, sometimes found as houseant in anthropegenic disturbed areas
Colonyform:monogyn
Queen:Size: 9 mm Colour: black; light brown shimmer
Worker:Size: 3 - 5 mm Colour: yellow to yellowish brown, shimmer through strong pubescens
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 3,5 - 4,5 mm Colour: black , slim
Nutrion:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosqitos
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, under stones, also in wood, dry sticks and under bark
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder, Ytong/Plaster
Formicaria size:Size: S - M
Substrate:Farm: Sand-Loam , cork , wood Arena: Sand-Loam
Planting:similar to Forest- and Sandareas moss, grass and other plants
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels, stones
Description:Lasius umbratus founds socialparsitic through killing an worker of there Hostcolony and adapting so the colonyodour. After infiltrating the colony the hostworker nurses the umbratus - queen and they starts laying eggs after 2-3 weeks. Most of their nutrition comes from subterrainian aphids.
Development:matingflight: on warm days mid - may to the end of june at 22 - 28°C
founding: sozialparasitic in Lasius niger, Lasius platythorax, Lasius brunneus andLasius psammophilus
colonysize: -
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
Lasius umbratus [test tube view]
- Myrmica scabrinodis :
Latin Name:Myrmica scabrinodis
Trivialname:-
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Myrmicinae Tribe: Myrmicini
Keeping Level:(1) easy to keep , they have a potent sting like a stinging - neetle
Distribiution:Centraleurope
Habitate:avoids closed forests and high grassland
Colonyform:polygyne
Queen:Size: 5 - 6,5mm Colour: crimson (dark red)
Worker:Size: 3,5 - 5mm Colour: crimson (dark red)
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 5 - 6mm Colour: black , slim
Nutrion:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosqitos
Airhumidity:Arena: 30 - 50% Nestpart: 50 - 70%
Temperature:Arena: 18 - 28°C Nestpart: 21 - 24°C
Hibernation:yes, from end of October until end of March at 5 - 8°C
Nestform:Nests in soil, often in moss
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder, Ytong/Plaster
Formicaria size:Size: S - M
Substrate:Farm: Sand-Loam, mould Arena: Sand, Sand-loam, mould, wood
Planting:similar to wet grassareas with moss, grass and other plants
Decoration:Branches, Roots, moss, stones
Description:very aggressiv against nestdisturbance. Host for Microdon myrmicae and Phengaris teleius.
Development:matingflight: end of july to september between 14:00 and 18:00 o`clock
founding: semiclaustral (queen collect food) or through adoption
from Egg to adult worker approx. 6 Weeks (depending on temperature).
colonysize:approx. 600 individuals
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
- Lasius (Lasius s. str.) alienus :
Latin Name:Lasius (Lasius s. str.) alienus
Trivialname:Foreign Garden Ant
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Formicinae Tribe: Lasiini
Keeping Level:(1) very easy in keeping
Distribiution:all above Europe, moderate Asia, Northafrica, Northamerica
Habitate:prefers sunny forestmargins and dry grassland
Colonyform:monogyn
Queen:Size: 8 - 9 mm Colour: dark brown - black
Worker:Size: 2 - 4 mm Colour: darkbrown
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 3 - 4 mm Colour: dark brown
Nutrion:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosqitos
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, under stones
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder
Formicaria size:Size: S - M
Substrate:Farm: Sand-Loam Arena: Sand-Loam
Planting:similar to Forest- and Sandareas moss, grass and other plants
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels, stones
Description:Very tough and well-fortified Ants, which will grow to a great colony by good support. With in 3 years they can reach a population up to 10.000 workers. In nature they cultivate Sap- insects on roses, elder, red-/black-currant and so on.
Development:matingflight: on warm days mid - may to the end of june at 22 - 28°C
founding: claustral (without feeding)
from Egg to adult worker approx. 6 - 8 Weeks (Egg to Larvae: approx. 10 -12 days, Larvae to Pupae: approx. 10 -14 days, Pupae to worker :approx. 10 - 24 days, depending on temperature).
The maintime of activity is between april to october.The lifespan of the queen can be up to 15 years (still not completly clear) .
colonysize: up to 40.000 Individuals
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
- Temnothorax unifasciatus :
Latin Name:Temnothorax unifascitus
Trivialname:-
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Myrmicinae Tribe: Formicoxenini
Keeping Level:(1) suitable for beginners
Distribiution:europe
Habitate:xerotherm openhabitat with bushgroups, Forestegdes
Colonyform:monogyne
Queen:Size: 3,5 - 4,7 mm Colour: bright brown/lutescent
Worker:Size: 2,3 - 3,5 mm Colour: bright brown/lutescent
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 2,5 - 3,5 mm Colour: like the queen
Nutrion:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosqitos
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:mosttimes under and between stones, rarely under bark or in deadwood
Kind of Formicaria:
acrylflatnest, plaster, corknest
Formicaria size:Size: S
Substrate:Farm: Cork, Lightwood Arena: Sand-Loam, Humus, Stones
Planting:not necessary
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels, acorns
Description:extremly small and interesting ants. The colony mostly contains not more than about 200 workers. One colony often fits into an acorn. Very active and nice to look at. Avoids conflicts with other ants, e.g. they can be kept with other biger species in one formicarium. Attention: Temnothorax directly lives on the ground. Therefore the colony needs daily temperature changes. It is important to simulate realistic temperature changes of day and night as well as summer and winter. Temnothorax is resitant against cold temperatures. They can easily be kept and hibernate outside.
Development:matingflight: mainly july in the early morning
founding: claustral (without feeding)
colonysize: rarely up to 100 workers
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
Temnothorax unifasciatus
- Camponotus fallax :
Latin Name:Camponotus fallax
Trivialname:-
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Formicinae Tribe: Camponotini
Keeping Level:(1) for beginners with a colonysize of at least 10 workers
Distribution:Europe to Westasia
Habitate:prefers sunexposed Forestedges, singletrees also in Beehives
Colonyform:monogyne
Queen:Size: 8 - 10mm Colour: black
Worker:Size: 6 - 8,5mm Colour: black; polymorph (Minor, Media and Major workers)
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: 7 - 8mm Colour: black , slim
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 (has an endogenic Biorhythm)
Nestform:Build their nest under wood with greater underground areas
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder
Formicaria size:Size: M - L
Substrate:Farm: Cork, Softwood Arena: Sand, Sand-Loam
Planting:similar to Forest- and Mountainareas with moss, grass and other plants
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels
Description:Camponotus fallax is a shy ant that shows aggression towards other ants.
Development:matingflight: may
founding: claustral (without feeding) in hollow Branches and Trees
colonysize: up to 200 Individuals
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
Camponotus fallax - starting colony
- Lasius paralienus :
Latin Name:Lasius (Lasius s. str.) paralienus
Trivialname:-
Taxonomy:Subfamily: Formicinae Tribe: Lasiini
Keeping Level:(1) very easy in keeping
Distribiution:all above Europe from sweden to greece, maindistribution Hungarian plane, limestone areas above 400m
Habitate:prefers xerothermous grassland , steppe-heath
Colonyform:monogyn
Queen:Size: 9 mm Colour: body blackish brown, legs darkbrown, mandibles reddish brwon
Worker:Size: 2 - 3,5 mm Colour: black with light brown shimmer
Soldier:not present
Males:Size: - Colour: -
Nutrion:Honeywater and insects e.g. Dipterans like Flies or Mosqitos
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, under stones without a mound
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder
Formicaria size:Size: S - M
Substrate:Farm: Sand-Loam Arena: Sand-Loam
Planting:similar to Forest- and Sandareas moss, grass and other plants
Decoration:Branches, Roots, Treeneedels, Stones
Description:Informations about the biology are very sparse. Lasius paralienus was observed as a Trophobiont with Aphidae and different Lycaenidae. She seems to be the main host for Lasius balcanicus
Development:matingflight: on warm days mid - august to the begin of october
founding: claustral (without feeding)
colonysize: -
Quantity:one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Weblinks:
- Forum
- Reference
Lasius paralienus
Ants : introduction , care and vivarium set up ... 1 - 2 - 3
Asia : 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
Europe : - Central Europe : 1 - 2 - 3