Manica rubida – Queen alone

Description

Manica rubida and our Charter on Ants:
1. Breeding approved by the Veterinary Services, led by a specialist with a certificate of competence,
2. Guide to the Perfect Ant Farmer offered and health sheet provided,
3. Ants guaranteed free from parasites,
4. Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood on dispatch,
5. No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell the colonies faster),
6. Delivery guaranteed in good health: partial refund in case of loss of workers, total in case of loss of the queen (if delivered within 48 hours),
7. Shipping possible from -12°C to +40°C thanks to our optional insulated packaging,
8. Species present in France , non-invasive and non-endangered,
9. Recovery colony and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions).
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Description of the species Manica rubida:

Manica rubida is a rarely bred species found in the mountains and countryside of Europe, yet highly valued and sought after for its large size (up to 8mm for workers and 9 to 13mm for queens) as well as for its coloring varying from orange for young workers to darker red.

Aggressive, Manica rubida defends its immediate surroundings and hunts with its stinger, although it may take about 30 seconds to prepare its sting. This is painful but harmless to humans. Manica rubida feeds on sweet liquids, aphid honeydew and small insects.

The development is slow, but compensated by the size of the workers, which makes it possible to appreciate the activity of this species.

Note: These are Manica rubida queens without workers. The queens and feed the larvae themselves from food they collect from the wild. Therefore, the queens should be fed approximately 1-2x per week throughout the process. The foundation is not independent. It is possible that births occur after wintering. In this case, overwinter the queen Manica rubida for 2 months at around 8 to 12°C, then start heating again gradually.

A Manica rubida nest has up to 1000 workers at most and from one to several queens (depending on the source).

Fourmiculture advises:
– A medium to high humidity level,
– A long and cold wintering is recommended (without neglecting the humidity and with a good supply of food before wintering, then during wintering with a slight rise in temperature to allow feeding).
Around 3 months at 8 to 12°C are recommended. – A hot spot of 26 to 27°C during the day excluding wintering on part of the nest, and 19 to 24°C at night.
– A regular diet, several times a week, based on fresh insects, sweet liquids, jellies, fruits, pollen, meat, etc.

Photo 1: Anstore. Other photos: All rights reserved to Michal Kukla.