Formica rufibarbis – Colony with workers

Description

Our Ant Fourmiculture Charter
– Raised by a specialist in optimal conditions, guaranteed parasite-free,
– Health demonstrated by the queen laying eggs and the presence of brood upon shipment,
– No "boost" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
– Guaranteed healthy delivery: partial refund in case of worker loss, full refund in case of queen loss (if delivered within 48 hours),
– Shipping possible from -12°C to +40°C thanks to our optional insulated packaging,
– Supplied with a care sheet and a health record,
– Species present in France, non-invasive and not threatened,

see conditions).

Formica rufibarbis is a species similar to Formica rufa (red wood ants) but much easier to keep. It forms colonies of several thousand workers, unlike the immense colonies of Formica rufa, but can also build small mounds of twigs, although it thrives easily in an artificial nest. In this case, it is even inadvisable to introduce too many rotten materials into the nest (especially no soil, and be careful with twigs and other debris).

Raising Formica rufibarbis is relatively easy and development will be very satisfactory with a basking spot of 27°C and a very regular supply of sugary liquids and fresh insects. A fairly long, cold rest period during the winter is recommended to ensure good development the following spring.

This is a very beautiful, relatively uncommon species, black with reddish-brown markings on the thorax. The queen is more intensely colored with a typically recognizable H-shaped mark on her thorax.

Queen Formica rufibarbis size: approximately 9-11 mm.
Worker size: approximately 4-7 mm.
Diet: sugary protein liquids, jellies, insects.
Humidity: Low to medium.
Temperature: 27°C during the day in part of the nest, slightly cooler at night (no less than 19°C).
Hibernation: 2-3 months at 12°C (minimum 5-8°C, maximum 15°C). Carefully monitor humidity and continue feeding the ants during this period if the temperature allows them to forage.

Photos: © Christophe Quintin Gallery HERE