Notostigma foreli – Queen of Australia

Description

Notostigma foreli benefits from the Fourmiculture for our ants:
1. Breeding approved by the Veterinary Services, conducted by a specialist with a certificate of competence,
2. Free "Perfect Ant Keeper's Guide" and information sheet provided,
3. Ants guaranteed parasite-free,
4. Health demonstrated by the queen laying eggs and the presence of brood upon shipment,
5. No "boosting" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
6. Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial refund in case of worker loss, full refund in case of queen loss (if delivered within 48 hours),

not threatened,
9. Colony buyback and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions).

A magnificent species of impressive size, with the queen reaching approximately 18mm, and beautiful, colorful workers. Endemic to Australia, it is rarely seen for sale. Its main appeal lies in its size, coloration, relative ease of rearing, and its great rarity. We have undertaken the import procedures and incurred significant costs for a small number of colonies, which explains the price, though we are keeping it as low as possible for our best customers. This offer may only come around once in France!

Breeding is relatively easy as this species resembles a Formica and is related to that genus. However, the queen looks more like a Camponotus, but the species does not have majors (all the workers are roughly the same size). The workers, which are quite large (up to about 10 mm), are sandy in color with reddish heads.

The establishment, or even the rearing, is best done in an environment with a moist substrate (a plastic box with peat, for example). Rearing in tubes and nests is also possible.

The diet consists of sugary and protein-rich liquids, and a temperature of 27°C is recommended for optimal brood development (larvae and cocoons). This species appears to be a skilled hunter, forming earth mounds with workers that are primarily nocturnal, collecting food in the shade. Nostotigma foreli forms well-developed colonies with several thousand workers, and the queen initially raises her first batch of workers alone.