Aphaenogaster senilis – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

Fourmiculture Charter for Ants and Aphaenogaster senilis:
– 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,

it (see conditions).

Aphaenogaster senilis is an exceptional ant that meets the expectations of demanding breeders seeking a hunter with primitive behavior. Its main characteristics are:

• Very unusual and primitive morphology, matte black appearance with white hairs, of good size
• High aggressiveness (very enterprising, doesn't hesitate to chase, explore, climb on the finger),
• It is not very susceptible to dust mites, dirt, etc
• Very limited winterization required (2-3 months at room temperature is sufficient),
• A poor climber, she rarely ventures outside the hunting area
• Larvae capable of feeding directly on prey,
• Produces winged sexuals quickly, easier to breed in captivity.

Its qualities are matched only by its extreme rarity. Rarely found in France, and propagating by cuttings rather than by mass release of queens, it is unfortunately seldom seen anyone caring for this species. Yet, it is well-known and studied, and above all, very easy to raise. It thrives in a water-filled tube connected to a foraging area, or to any type of high-quality artificial ant farm.

We therefore exceptionally offer colonies with brood to guarantee their good health. They are delivered in tubes for easier rearing, unlike some low-priced colonies supplied in boxes by Spanish collectors.

The rapid development of Aphaenogaster senilis requires a regular supply of insects, providing a perfect opportunity to observe its hunting behavior. You will notice that it is capable of recruiting workers to finish off its prey using ultrasound produced by a scraper located at the rear of its thorax. A worker can therefore call for help remotely, without pheromones or physical contact.

The worker wasps bite hard and can sometimes sting, but this has no effect on human skin. Once the prey is dead, it will be brought back to the nest. There, you will notice that the larvae are directly on the prey and feed themselves! Aphaenogaster senilis is aggressive and doesn't hesitate to hunt various insects, but fortunately, it appreciates many food sources and is not fussy about feeding: Sunburst, baby biscuit crumbs (which are richer in protein), hard-boiled egg, tuna, etc.

Spider hunting by Aphaenogaster senilis:

Each Aphaenogaster senilis ant feeds alone, including the queen and workers, because it lacks a social stomach, which prevents the workers from practicing trophallaxis (food sharing). Instead, they cut up solid food and feed it directly to the larvae, or deposit grit in liquids to bring back to the nest soaked with food to share!

This behavior is sometimes observed with damp gravel that the workers bring back to the nest in order to regulate its humidity.

It also rapidly produces winged males and females, and swarming in captivity is possible.

Caution: It is advisable to move the colony to its new habitat by emptying the tube in the feeding area. Worker bees may attack each other during a natural relocation (when connecting the tube to the new nest via the connecting hole) due to their territorial behavior.

Non-Latin:		Aphaenogaster senilis
Not common:		–
Taxonomy:		Subfamily: Myrmicinae Group: Pheidolini
Difficulty level :		(1) Some requirements regarding food and temperature
Distribution:		Mediterranean region (Southern France, Spain, etc.)
Habitat:		Dry forests, roadsides, sandy soils and sunny meadows
Number of queens:		monogynous, tolerates only one queen per colony
Queen :		Size: 9mm Color: Matte black with white hairs
Workers:		Size: 5.5–7mm Color: Matte black with white hairs
Soldier:		not present
Males:		Smaller than the queen, winged, black, frequently seen in colonies
Feed :		Fruits. Lots of freshly killed insects and solid protein (baby biscuits, hard-boiled eggs, fish, raw meat).
Humidity :		Low to medium, but never completely dry.
Temperature:		21 to 24°C may be sufficient for development but a hot spot at 27°C during the day is recommended.
Hibernation:		Gentle diapause of 2 to 3 months at around 15°C. Continue to feed and hydrate.
Type of natural nest:		Dug into the ground. Colony often in existing cavities (wasp nest, rodent tunnel, etc.).
Type of nest:		Compatible with our nests (digible not recommended), acrylic, plaster, cellular concrete…
Nest size:		A minimum size of 16cm and a hunting area are required
Substrate:		A substrate can be provided, but this species does not dig much
Plants:		Not necessary
Decoration:		Sand, dead wood, rocks
Special feature:		The larvae feed directly on the insects.
Development :		Foundation by budding: the fertilized queen leaves the nest with some of the workers. The colony can reach 10,000 workers.
Quantity sold :		1 fertilized queen + brood + workers as per option

Photo & breeding sheet Aphaenogaster senilis on Antarium .