Scientific name: messor barbarus
Distribution area: Mediterranean region, mainly southern Europe
Difficulty level: 1.5/5
Queen size: 14-16mm
Worker size : 3-8mm
Soldier size: 8-15mm
Hibernation: early November-February at 15 degrees
Growth rate: 2/ 5
Temperature: 21-29 degrees
Optimal temperature : 25-27 degrees
Recommended nest type : ytong/acrylic
Diet: mainly seeds, insects, sugar liquids
Messor barbarus is a species in the subfamily Myrmicinae. They are also called the harvester ant. because they are known to accept various types of seeds and grind them into a paste which they then feed to the larvae and the queen. They are fairly easy-going and undemanding to their conditions, making them an ideal strain for patient beginners. It is important that this species is placed in a place where there are little to no vibrations, as this species is very sensitive to this and this causes stress.
