Latin name: Myrmicaria natalensis

Taxonomy: Subfamily: Myrmicinae Tribes: Solenopsidini

Breeding level: Intermediate

Geographical distribution: Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia

Habitat: Moist forest

Colony form: Monogyne

Queen: Size: 12 - 13mm Color: Head and red chest, black gastre

Worker: Size: 5 - 8mm Color: Head and thorax red, black gastre

Soldier: No

Male: Size: 8mm Color: Black

Food: Mainly insectivorous, such as mealworms, flies, mosquitoes, crickets and honeydew.

Humidity: Hunting area: 50 - 50% Nest: 70 - 80%

Temperature: Hunting area: 21 - 28 ° C Nest: 22 - 26 ° C

Hibernation: Winter break from November to early March at room temperature.

Nest type: Plexiglas nest, nest with tubes, reconstituted stone nest.

Description: The peculiarity of this species when it feels threatened raises the abdomen upwards and releases a secretion of defense.

Development: Swarming from late November to December.

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

Size of the colony: Several thousand individuals, the queen can reach the age of 15 years.