Manica rubida

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Manica rubida
€14.99 €7.49

Giant European Fire Ant

Origin : Austria

Geographical distribution: West europe, mainly in mountains

Breeding level:  Intermediate (can sting)

THE FOUNDATION IS SEMI CLAUTRAL : The queen must be fed during the foundation period.

Habitat: Often found in sandy river floodplains

Colony form: monogenous (polygenous rarely)

Colony size: up to 3000

Size: queen 9 - 13mm, workers  6 - 9mm, 

Color: Queen : brown, reddish and shiny Workers : brownish and reddish

Queen lifespan: up to 10 years

Food: Mainly insects such as mealworms, flies, mosquitoes and crickets. Also loves sweet liquids and fruits. A water trough is mandatory 

Humidity: 60 - 70%

Temperature:  21 - 25°C 

Hibernation: Yes, from mid-November to early March, between 8 and 11°C

Nest type: Test tubes nest, Ytong, plaster, 3D printed. Must have good humidity system.

Getting the Colony Started:

  • Queen Needs Help: Unlike some ant species, Manica rubida queens require feeding during the initial colony foundation stage.

Predatory Powerhouse:

  • European Hunter: This European native, primarily found in central and southern regions, is a skilled hunter. In fact, it's one of the few European ant species with a functional sting, which it uses to overpower prey.
  • Sting with a Purpose: While the Manica rubida sting poses no significant threat to humans, it's a powerful weapon for capturing insect prey.

Keep in Mind:

  • Fierce Fighters: Manica rubida are known for their aggressive nature, making them a less suitable choice for those with ant sting allergies.