Latin name: Aphaenogaster subterranea

Taxonomy: Subfamily: Myrmicinae Tribes: Pheidolini

Breeding level: Intermediate

Geographic distribution: Coastal areas from eastern Queensland to Victoria, also present in central Australia

Habitat: Open forest, dry forest,

Colony form: Monogyne

Queen: Size: 11 - 13mm Color: Shiny amber body, big thorax

Workers: Size: 5 - 8mm Color: Shiny amber to red brown body

Major: No

Male: Size: 4mm Color: Bright yellow brown

Food: Mainly insectivorous such as mealworms, flies, mosquitoes, crickets etc ... Also honeydew to provide them with rapid energy.

Humidity: Hunting area: 30 - 50% Nest: 40 - 60%

Temperature: Hunting area: 21 - 30 ° C Nest: 24 - 28 ° C

Hibernation: Yes, from mid-November to early March between 12 and 15 ° C

Type of nest: Nest with tubes, reconstituted stone nest.

Description: Aphaenogaster longiceps is one of the largest in the world, its development is rapid forming large aggressive colonies.

Development: Swarming September and November.

Foundation: takes place in a cloistered manner (without food) Development: 45 days from egg to worker (depending on temperature)

Colony size: Up to 10,000 individuals, the queen can reach the age of 12 years.