Formica fusca (1 queen, 2 workers, brood)

Description

Species Info:

• General:
  Formica fusca, commonly known as the “common black ant,” is a hardy and resilient species found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. Queens and workers are sleek black or dark brown in coloration with a subtle metallic sheen. They are known for their cautious but fast movements and their ability to defend themselves by spraying formic acid when threatened. Formica fusca is an excellent choice for beginners due to its adaptability and relatively peaceful nature.
• Diet:
  Omnivorous with a strong preference for liquid sugars like honey water and sugar water. Protein sources such as small insects (fruit flies, crickets, mealworms) are crucial for brood development. Regular and varied feeding ensures healthier and faster-growing colonies.
• Temperature:
  Although Formica fusca can survive in a wide range of conditions, they thrive best with supplemental heat, ideally kept between 72–82°F (22–28°C). Natural ambient room temperatures are usually sufficient, but adding heat can significantly speed up brood development.
• Diapause:
  This species requires a winter diapause of about 3-4 months at temperatures around 39–45°F (4–7°C). Diapause can be safely achieved using a wine cooler, mini fridge, or other stable cool environments. Gradual cooling is recommended to mimic natural seasonal changes.
• Growth:
  Brood development typically takes 6–8 weeks from egg to worker depending on temperature and nutrition. Colonies tend to grow slowly in the first year, usually reaching 50–100 workers, but will steadily expand to several hundred over time with optimal care. Formica fusca is a long-lived species, with queens often surviving 10–15 years under proper conditions.