Aphaenogaster longiceps – Australia

Description

Presentation of the species Aphaenogaster longiceps:

Aphaenogaster longiceps is reminiscent of Aphaenogaster subterranea or a giant Pheidole, with characteristics that make it very attractive in breeding: it develops quickly and does not need to overwinter*, its colonies can reach up to 10,000 workers with one or more queens per colony and its morphology is quite particular.

*It is possible to cut the heating for 2 months at the end of the summer, depending on the possible drop in egg laying, without obligation.

Workers have long legs which make them appear larger, hence their name “longiceps”.

Of a correct size for good observations, the workers measure 5 to 8mm and the queen or queens are much more impressive with a size of the order of 10 to 13mm.

The queen is more atypical with a very massive and rounded, almost bloated thorax. It is orange-brown in color and rather brown / honey for the workers (according to colonies).

The workers go in search of food all day but increase their activity during the night. They enjoy a wide variety of foods: jellies, insects, sweet liquids, fruits, and even small seeds like millet.

Relatively unaggressive in small colonies, they forage in search of food and are able to bite and sting painlessly. Small Drosophila-type prey can be given alive in fairly developed colonies.

Aphaenogaster longiceps is native to Australia where it explores large territories, from seaside to humid forests and drier lands to dig nests with funnel-shaped entrances, hence its nickname "funnel ant". ".

Easy to raise with an average humidity level, this species is suitable for all ant growers and adapts to any type of correctly designed nest. The queens are particularly interesting to observe by their size, their color and their morphology.

Our sale price includes an export permit paid to the Australian state for each queen taken during swarming and the administrative formalities as well as an Australian veterinary certificate attesting that the queen has been individually checked by a veterinarian and does not contain any parasites. nor illness. We also offer a possible isothermal packaging.

_______________________________________________________________

The Fourmiculture Charter on legislation and ethics:

Fourmiculture offers this exceptional species native to Australia, a very protective country which combines both the most impressive species in the world, and extremely strict legislation on their collection and export.

Because a large number of exotic species on sale are of fraudulent origin, Fourmiculture is engaging with the authorities. The colony will reach you with:

1/ an export certificate

2/ an Australian veterinary certificate

3/ a health and legislative sheet.

These documents attest to our official authorization to collect and export queens of this species. We import them by fast carrier, whatever the cost, in order to ensure good transport conditions. Each colony is then checked one by one to confirm the absence of parasites and the presence of brood.

Fourmiculture is also a recognized establishment of the French veterinary services, in possession of a certificate of capacity for the breeding and sale of ants, validated by myrmecologists, civil and environmental protection services (decision No. 2016195-0002 from the Directorate Department of Population Protection).

Each colony is labelled, has a lot number, and has been professionally tracked from queen collection to delivery.

As an individual, the breeding of this species does not require any authorization because it is neither protected, nor threatened, nor invasive, nor dangerous. We remind you, however, that the law prohibits the release of a non-native species and proposes the resumption of your colonies.

_____________________________________________________________

The Fourmiculture Charter on this exotic species:

1/ Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood on shipment, guaranteed without parasites,

2/ No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell the colonies more quickly, the queen is raised since swarming),

3/ Delivery guaranteed in good health: partial refund in case of loss of workers, total in case of loss of the queen (with carrier 24-48h),

4/ Breeding guide offered and health sheet provided,

5/ Resumption of your colony up to 30€ if you wish to part with it (see conditions).

Optional 3-month Success Insurance:

For those who want total peace of mind, we offer a 3-month Success Insurance which allows you to receive a new colony at no cost in the event of the death of your colony within 3 months of delivery, without discussion and for whatever reason. loss!

Conditions: transport at our expense to mainland France only, return from an identical colony within the limits of available stocks. The loss must be proven by a clear photo within 90 days of delivery.

_____________________________________________________________

The Fourmiculture Charter on delivery:

Our experience makes it possible to eliminate almost all losses during transport and we have been using packaging adapted and tested for this use for 10 years. A possible loss of the queen during transport would automatically entitle you to a 100% refund (valid with carrier for 48 hours).

Service offered:

Delivery 365 days a year, from -12°C to +40°C thanks to our insulated packaging offered if necessary.

_______________________________________________________________

More info on Aphaenogaster longiceps:

– Queen size: 10-13mm

– Size of workers: 5-8mm

– Breeding temperature: 27°C during the day, 20-24°C at night

– Wintering: None. Heat all year round, or respect a period of 2 months at room temperature to guarantee the longevity of the queen and her laying.

– Food: Small living insects (crickets size 2 to 4, fruit flies, mosquitoes, etc.) or dead, sweet liquids, jellies, meat, sweet liquids, fruits, etc.

– Humidity requirement: low to medium (always keep rooms humid).

– Polygyne (potentially several queens per colony)

– Maximum population of the colony: estimated at 10,000 maximum.

– Color: Reddish brown queen, lighter workers, honey color.

– Estimated maximum longevity of the queen: 7 to 15 years

Picture 1: © Steve Shattuck Picture 2: © Alexander Wild