Formica rufibarbis – Colony with workers

Description

Fourmiculture Charter on our Ants:
– Raised by a specialist in optimal conditions, guaranteed without parasites,
– Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood on shipment,
– No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell the colonies more quickly),
– Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial reimbursement in the event of loss of workers, total reimbursement in the event of loss of the queen (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 sheet,
– Species present in France, non-invasive and not threatened,
– Colony taken back and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions).
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Formica rufibarbis is a species similar to Formica rufa (red wood ants) but much easier to raise. It forms colonies of several thousand workers, unlike the huge colonies of Formica rufa, but can form small domes of twigs although it rises without difficulty into an artificial anthill. In this case, it is even inadvisable to introduce too many elements that could rot inside the nest (especially no earth, watch out for twigs and the like).

The rearing of Formica rufibarbis will be fairly easy and the development will be very satisfactory with a hot spot at 27°C and a very regular supply of sweet liquids and fresh insects. In winter, a fairly long and cold rest is recommended to regain good development the following spring.

It is about a very beautiful species rather low, black with roux on the thorax. The queen is more intensely colored with the typically recognized H-shaped mark on the thorax.

Size of queen Formica rufibarbis: about 9-11mm
Size of workers: about 4-7mm
Food: sugary protein liquids, jellies, insects.
Humidity: Low to medium,
Temperature: 27°C during the day on part of the nest, a little less at night (not less than 19°C).
Wintering: 2 to 3 months at 12°C (minimum 5 to 8°C, maximum 15°C). Keep an eye on the humidity and continue to feed the ants during this period if the temperature allows them to feed.

Photos: © Christophe Quintin Gallery HERE