6 replies to this topic

[toch]

Hi, found in North east italy July 2025

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Edited by toch, January 2 2026 - 4:48 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Looks like some type of Formica to me.

[toch]

I have it since july 2025, it's still in a test tube with some workers(6/7), 

anyone can recognize the species so i can set for her properly to his habits.

now it's no eggs layed from october/november. but she looks fine. i can do better foto if someone can help me.

thanks

[Zhuge]

She isn't laying eggs because she is supposed to be hibernating. In temperate areas, ants usually hibernate because it is too cold for them to forage. 

Most ants drink sugar water for carbs and eat insects for protein. I am inexperienced with feeding protein so i won't be able to give you good protein suggestions though.

I also agree with formica. probably not formica rufa group though.

[toch]

ok, that's what I tought. last protein meal i gave her was on september. Since then I've only given her a little sugar one time a month, but I don't think she's accepted it. I'm waiting for her temperature to rise a bit. When ibernation end how can let her foraging? I continue to give her bhatkar diet without set her in a formicarium, i'll wait for some more workers next season. I will let you know.

many thanks then I've only given her a little sugar, but I don't think she's accepted it. I'm waiting for her temperature to rise a bit. I will let you know.

 

 

Edited by toch, January 5 2026 - 1:28 AM.

[bmb1bee]

 

ok, that's what I tought. last protein meal i gave her was on september. Since then I've only given her a little sugar one time a month, but I don't think she's accepted it. I'm waiting for her temperature to rise a bit. When ibernation end how can let her foraging? I continue to give her bhatkar diet without set her in a formicarium, i'll wait for some more workers next season. I will let you know.

many thanks then I've only given her a little sugar, but I don't think she's accepted it. I'm waiting for her temperature to rise a bit. I will let you know.

Are you trying to feed them raw crystallized sugar or sugar water? Sugar water is generally used to feed ants, and I usually feed Formica at least a couple times a week. Your workers and the queen seem full of food though, so that might be the reason why sugars haven't been accepted yet. I'd leave them at either room temperature or in a cold area like a garage for another month or two, then you can start heating them with a mat or cable. Formica need heat to grow quickly. Proteins like fruit flies and mealworm slices are necessary to keep the brood fed and growing, so be sure to feed them plenty once they start laying eggs.

 

On another note, the ants are Formica, in the fusca species group.

[toch]

i gave them sugar water, i place a drop on top of the cotton stopper. since the starting of hybernation i stopped bhaktar diet.

Edited by toch, January 6 2026 - 12:23 PM.