Cataglyphis bicolor

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Cataglyphis bicolor is a polygynous ant species with colony sizes up to 5000 workers. They have a very fast development speed. The queen measures 9-11 mm, workers 4-9 mm, and majors 8-11 mm. They are reddish brown with a black abdomen. Their diet includes insect food, syrup, fruit, vegetables, jelly, and cooked chicken.

zł 499.90

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We give a 100% guarantee for the delivery of a live queen and colony to the client. You can read more about guarantees on the Guarantees page.

Product care

The most important thing is that you read the temperature conditions, moisture and what to feed the ants. It is important not to introduce too small a colony into a large formicarium, much less just one queen. It’s good if the formicarium is divided by partitions and if the first chamber is very small (such as in our Comfort formicarium). We recommend reading more information about keeping ants in our blogs!

Product details

Difficulty in breeding	Experts
Behavior	Fast
Wintering	With diapause
The size of ants	Medium
Origin	Africa

Description

Cataglyphis bicolor – The Fastest Species of Ants!

Welcome to our product description for Cataglyphis bicolor, the fascinating and speedy species of ants. Known for their impressive speed and elongated legs, these ants are a popular choice among ant-keeping enthusiasts. In this detailed description, we will explore various aspects of Cataglyphis bicolor, including their colony type, size, nutrition, habitat requirements, and recommended breeding conditions. Let’s dive in!

Colony Type and Size

Cataglyphis bicolor belongs to the polygyny colony type, which means they have multiple queens in their colonies. This unique characteristic adds to the complexity and diversity of the colony. With a colony size of up to 5000 workers, Cataglyphis bicolor colonies are highly populous and vibrant.

Size and Color

The size of Cataglyphis bicolor ants varies among the castes:

Queen: 9 – 11 mm
Workers: 4 – 9 mm
Majors: 8 – 11 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.

Nutrition

When it comes to nutrition, Cataglyphis bicolor ants have diverse dietary requirements. Offering a variety of food items is essential to ensure their well-being and development. Here are some recommended food sources for Cataglyphis bicolor ants:

Insect food (Cockroaches, Crickets): These protein-rich insects provide essential nutrients for the ants’ growth and survival.
Syrup (Water/Honey with Water ratio): A mixture of water and honey in ratios of 4:1, 3:1, or 2:1 serves as a valuable carbohydrate source for the ants.
Fruit and Vegetables: Providing slices of ripe fruit and diced vegetables give the ants additional vitamins and minerals.
Jelly: Offering commercially available jelly products can be an exciting and nutritious treat for Cataglyphis bicolor ants.
Cooked Chicken without Salt: Occasionally, cooked chicken without salt can be provided as a source of animal protein.

Ensuring a **well-balanced and varied diet** is crucial for the health and vitality of Cataglyphis bicolor ants.

Habitat Requirements

Creating a suitable habitat for Cataglyphis bicolor ants is essential to provide them with optimal living conditions. Here are the recommended humidity and temperature ranges for their arena and nest:

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

Maintaining the appropriate humidity and temperature levels ensures the ants’ overall well-being and enables them to display their highest activity levels.

Feature of the Species

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.

Recommended Breeding Conditions

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.

Before making your purchase, ensure that you are prepared to take on the responsibility of breeding and caring for Cataglyphis bicolor ants. While they may present some challenges, their incredible speed and striking appearance make them a truly rewarding species to keep.

Thank you for exploring Cataglyphis bicolor with us. We hope this detailed description has helped you understand and appreciate the unique characteristics of these fascinating ants. Happy ant-keeping!