Manica hunteri (1 fresh queen)

Description

Overview

Manica hunteri is a fascinating species of ant in the genus Manica, known for its aggressive hunting behavior and striking reddish coloration. Unlike many ants that rely heavily on cooperative foraging, M. hunteri is often observed as a solitary predator, making it unique among Canadian ant species.

Appearance

• Workers are typically 6–8 mm in length.
• The body is a reddish-brown to orange-red, with darker legs.
• Their mandibles are sharp and adapted for seizing live prey.
• Queens are noticeably larger and share the same reddish hue.

Distribution & Habitat

• Found mainly in Canada (especially Alberta and British Columbia) and parts of the northern United States.
• Prefers open meadows, grassy clearings, and forest edges with sandy or loamy soil.
• Colonies are usually small compared to other ant genera, often with only a few hundred workers.

Behavior & Diet

• Manica hunteri is a predatory ant, hunting small insects and other arthropods.
• Workers are fast and agile hunters, often tackling prey larger than themselves.
• They also feed on nectar and honeydew but are less dependent on these sources than other species.
• Colonies are considered monogynous (one queen per colony).

Colony Structure

• Small to medium-sized colonies (hundreds, not thousands, of workers).
• Queens establish colonies through independent founding after nuptial flights.
• Colonies grow slowly compared to species like Lasius or Formica.

Nuptial Flights

• Typically occur in late summer (July–August).
• Males and females take to the air during warm afternoons.
• After mating, queens shed their wings and search for suitable soil to begin a new nest.