(1) Species from Southern Europe with higher requirements towards food and climate
Distribution:
Southern Europe, Southerneuropean Peninsula
Habitat:
xerothermic mountainareas also in urban areas like parks or meadowedges
Colonyform:
monogyne
Queen:
Size: 12 - 15mm Colour: shiny black
Worker:
Size: 4 - 13mm Colour: shiny black
Soldier:
not present
Males:
Size: 8 - 10mm Colour: shiny black
Nutrition
Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass) but insects too
Airhumidity:
Arena: 30 - 50% Nestpart: 50 - 70%
Temperature:
Arena: 25 - 30°C Nestpart: 21 - 26°C
Hibernation:
yes, from end of November until end of February at 15°C
Nestform:
Build their nest in soil under stones
Kind of Formicaria:
Farm, Farmbasin, Basin, Framebasin, Island, Acrylcylinder, Ytong/Plasternest, Digfix
Formicaria size:
Size:M
Substrate:
Farm: Sand-Loam Arena: Sand, Sand-Loam
Planting:
similar to savanah areas with grass and other plants
Decoration:
Branches, roots, treeneedels, stones
Description:
This species is a highly granivor ant which collects all kinds of small seeds and chew them to so- called antbread. Most of their waterrequirements are covered through seeds and insects. Honeywater is only accepted when there is a lack of moisture. Messor capiatus tends to drown in open water so it is necessary to cover waterplaces with little stones or cotton.
Development:
matingflight: September and October after summerrains founding: claustral (without feeding) colonysize: up to 10.000 Individuals
Quantity:
one fertilized queen with workers (see selection); brood (depending on the season and development)
Extremely well packged, as always. Came very promptly and the queen was very lively and healthy, running about in her tube with great water and food supply. Highly recomended!
supply. Highly recomended!
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