Formica lemani

Hurry and get discounts up to 40% Read more

The Formica lemani colony is monogynous and can have up to 10,000 workers. They have a medium development rate. The queen is 8-10mm in size, while the workers are 4-7 mm. They are uniformly black or brown in color. They feed on food insects, syrup, fruit, vegetables, jelly, and cooked chicken without salt.

zł 45.70

Compare

Add to wishlist

Shipping and returns

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	For intermediates
Behavior	Moderate
Wintering	Wintering
The size of ants	Medium
Origin	Europe

Description

Formica lemani – An Incredible Species

If you’re a lover of ants, then you’re in for a treat with Formica lemani. This remarkable species is known for its unique characteristics and fascinating behaviors. In this comprehensive product description, we will delve into the details of this ant species and provide you with all the information you need to understand and appreciate Formica lemani.

Colony Type and Size

Colony Type: Monogyny
Colony Size: Up to 10,000 workers

Formica lemani colonies are characterized by their monogynous nature, meaning they have a single queen. These queens measure between 8-10mm in size, while the workers range from 4-7mm. The ants’ coloration is uniformly black or brown.

Development Rate

The development rate of Formica lemani is considered medium. From egg to adult, these ants go through a series of stages, including larva, pupa, and finally reaching adulthood. This process takes a reasonable amount of time and allows for the growth and expansion of the colony.

Nutrition

Formica lemani is an omnivorous species with diverse dietary preferences. They primarily feed on food insects such as cockroaches and crickets. Additionally, they enjoy consuming syrup made from water and honey, with a recommended ratio of 4:1. Other food sources include fruits, vegetables, jelly, and cooked chicken without salt.

Humidity and Temperature Requirements

Arena Humidity: 30 – 50%
Nest Humidity: 50 – 60%
Arena Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
Nest Temperature: 21 – 24 °C

To ensure the well-being and thriving of Formica lemani, it is vital to maintain suitable humidity and temperature levels. In the arena or foraging area, the humidity should be maintained at a range of 30-50%. Inside the nest, the humidity should be slightly higher, between 50-60%. As for the temperature, the arena should be kept between 22-28 °C, while the nest itself should be slightly cooler, ranging from 21-24 °C.

Special Characteristics and Preferences

Formica lemani is an extraordinary species with unique behavior and preferences. One of the most intriguing aspects is their ability to collect honeydew from aphid colonies. They have a mutually beneficial relationship with aphids, feeding on the sweet substance produced by these tiny insects. This behavior showcases the ants’ resourcefulness and intelligence in finding food sources.

When it comes to nesting, Formica lemani shows adaptability to various materials. Recommended options for breeding nests include acrylic, gypsum, aerated concrete, earth, and cork. These materials provide suitable conditions for the colony’s growth and development, ensuring a thriving and healthy ant community.

Why Choose Formica lemani?

Now that you have gained insights into the characteristics and preferences of Formica lemani, you might be wondering why choosing them as your ant species of choice is a great decision. Here are some compelling reasons:

Fascinating Behavior

Formica lemani is known for its fascinating behavior, particularly their collection of honeydew from aphid colonies. Observing this behavior can be a captivating and educational experience, providing insight into the complex relationships between different species in nature.

Low Maintenance

Formica lemani is a species that requires relatively low maintenance compared to other ant species. Their dietary preferences and nesting adaptability mean that it’s easier to provide them with suitable living conditions and meet their nutritional needs. This makes them a perfect choice for ant lovers of all experience levels.

Beautiful and Diverse

The uniform black or brown coloration of Formica lemani adds to its appeal. Watching these ants go about their daily tasks in their uniquely structured colonies can surely bring joy and awe to any onlooker.

Educational Value

Formica lemani provides an excellent opportunity for educational purposes. They can be used in classrooms or educational settings to teach children and adults alike about the complexities of the natural world and the interconnectedness of different organisms.

Rewarding Hobby

Keeping Formica lemani as a pet or hobby can be highly rewarding. The process of setting up a suitable habitat, observing the colony’s growth, and creating a thriving ant community can bring a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

Conclusion

Formica lemani is undoubtedly a remarkable ant species worth considering for ant enthusiasts. Their unique characteristics, intriguing behaviors, and adaptability make them a captivating addition to any ant collection. Whether you’re new to ant-keeping or a seasoned ant enthusiast, Formica lemani is sure to amaze and fascinate you with their intricate world. So why wait? Start your journey with Formica lemani today and embark on a new and exciting ant-keeping adventure.