Scientific name: Messor capitatus
Distribution area: Mediterranean region, mainly Southern Europe
Difficulty level: 1.5/5
Queen size: 14-16 mm
Worker size: 4-16 mm
Soldier size: /
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/3D
Diet: mainly seeds, insects, sugar liquids

Messor capitatus is a species in the Myrmicinae subfamily. They are also called the harvester ant because they are known for accepting various types of seeds and grinding 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 such vibrations and becomes stressed. This species also has very large soldiers, even larger than those of Messor barbarus.
The queens only start laying eggs after hibernation!