Cataglyphis bicolor

Colony Type: Polygyny

Colony Size: Up to 5000 workers

Development Speed: Fast

• Queen: 13 – 15 mm
• Workers: 5 – 9 mm
• Majors: 8 – 12 mm

Their reddish brown exoskeleton with a black abdomen gives them a distinctive appearance. This coloration adds to their allure and makes them a visually striking species to observe.

• Food insects (such as cockroaches and crickets) dead, or live if colony is big
• Syrup (a mixture of water and honey or sugar, with a ratio of 4/3 water:1)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Jelly
• Cooked chicken without salt, shrimps
• Honey

• Arena Humidity: 30 – 50%
• Nest Humidity: 50 – 70%
• Arena Temperature: 25 – 35°C
• Nest Temperature: 24 – 28°C

As the fastest species of ants, Cataglyphis bicolor ants are known for their incredible speed and agility. Their elongated legs contribute to their swiftness, allowing them to navigate their environment with ease. To observe their fascinating behavior and enjoy their lightning-fast movements, it is recommended to provide a strongly heated arena. The increased temperature enhances their activity and showcases their remarkable abilities. Additionally, Cataglyphis bicolor ants exhibit pronounced polymorphism, meaning there is significant variation in size and appearance among the members of the colony.

For successful breeding of Cataglyphis bicolor ants, we recommend using acrylic or aerated concrete nests. These materials provide the necessary durability and insulation required for the ants’ nest development. While many subspecies of ants require donor cocoons for breeding, Cataglyphis bicolor can be bred from a lone queen. However, it is important to note that breeding this species can be challenging. Consistent provision of protein-rich food sources and syrup, in addition to creating suitable breeding conditions, is crucial for their successful reproduction.