Information type

Messor barbarus is one of the most well-known ant species in the ant world. 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 easy-going and undemanding, making them an ideal species for patient beginners.

Specifications:
Scientific name: Messor Barbarus
Dutch name: Harvester ant
Distribution area: Mediterranean sea area, mainly Southern Europe
Difficulty level: 1.5/5
Size of queen: 14-16mm
Size of worker: 3-8 mm
Size of soldiers: 8-15 mm
Maximum age of queen: 20 years
Winter rest: November to March at 15 degrees
Growth rate: 2/5
Grow to number of workers: 10,000
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Foundation: Claustral
Colony formation: Monogyne

Care:

Food: seed mix, small insects such as fruit flies, redrunners, crickets, mealworms, buffalo worms.
From how many workers to a nest: from 30 workers, the colony can be moved to a small nest.
Recommended nest type: test tube, AntLab Fusion Nest, 3D, acrylic.

Messor barbarus is relatively easy to care for; the most important thing is that the colony always has sufficient seeds and water. You can also offer the colony an insect a few times a week. Observe their behavior carefully. If, for example, the colony doesn't accept the food, it has sufficient nutrients available, and you can try again a few days later. It's also important that this species is placed in a location with little to no vibration, as it is very sensitive to vibrations and becomes stressed.