Latin name: Aphaenogaster senilis

Taxonomy: Subfamily: Myrmicinae Tribes: Pheidolini

Breeding level: Intermediate

Geographical distribution: Mediterranean

Habitat: trails and meadows exposed to the sun.

Colony form: Monogyne

Queen: Size: 9mm Color: Black with silver hairs, antennas and burgundy legs

Workers: Size: 5.5 - 7mm Color: Black with silver hairs, antennas and burgundy legs

Major: No

Male: Size: 5mm Color: Black

Food: Mainly insectivorous like mealworms, flies, mosquitoes, crickets, etc. Also honeydew for quick energy.

Humidity: Hunting area: 30 - 50% Nest: 50 - 70%

Temperature: Hunting area: 22 - 30 ° C Nest: 23 - 27 ° C

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

Nest type: Nest with tubes, reconstituted stone nest.

Description: Aphaenogaster senilis has no social crop and does not practice trophallaxis, so they bring the prey into the nest to feed the brood: the larvae are very dexterous and are able to feed themselves if the prey is placed near them.
The peculiarity of this species is to have the ability to reproduce it on the ground without flying.
Once the queen is fertilized, she will leave with some workers to create her own colony!
This species is also very good hunters, aggressive, with a large recruitment capacity that will delight novice breeders as confirmed.

Development: Intranidal mating during the period of high activity

Foundation: Set in a cloister (without food) Development: 45 days from egg to worker (depending on temperature)

Size of the colony: Up to 1000 individuals, the queen can reach the age of 12 years.