Formica — wood ants
Formica wood and field ants: large, fast and very active. Common in Ukraine.
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Why Formica ants are interesting
Formica is a genus of temperate Northern Hemisphere ants that includes the red wood ants. Workers are large, see well and defend themselves by spraying formic acid. Many species hunt actively and tend aphids, and some, like Formica sanguinea, raid the pupae of other species.
Care
- Food: plenty of protein (insects several times a week) and sugars at all times.
- Founding: queens of most species are semi-claustral and must be fed until workers appear.
- Hibernation: essential, 3–4 months at about 5 °C.
- Farm: a spacious arena, as workers are fast and active.
Choosing a species
Formica fusca and Formica cunicularia are good to start with. Formica cinerea is fast and aggressive, and Formica sanguinea is a social parasite for experienced keepers.