Scientific name:  messor barbarus
Distribution area: Mediterranean sea area, 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 Myrmicinae subfamily. 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 relatively easygoing and have few demands on their surroundings, making them an ideal species for patient beginners. However, it is important that this species is placed in a location with little to no vibration, as it is very sensitive to vibrations and becomes stressed.