Manica rubida
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.