Carebara affinis

Carebara affinis: A Guide to Caring for Aggressive Ants

Carebara affinis, also known as the aggressive ant, is a captivating species that offers an exciting experience for ant enthusiasts. In this guide, we will explore their behavior, feeding habits, nesting preferences, and provide essential care and maintenance tips to ensure the well-being of your colony.

Colony Type: Polygyny

Colony Size: Up to 50,000 workers

Development Speed: Fast

Size and Color:

• Queen: 16-18 mm
• Workers: 2-3 mm
• Majors: 5-12 mm

Color: Workers: Light to dark reddish-brown.
Majors: Darker reddish-brown, often with a more robust and shiny head.
Queen: Predominantly dark brown, with lighter shades on the legs and antennae.

Nutrition:
Carebara affinis ants feed on a diverse diet that includes:

• Protein sources: small insects (dead or alive), such as fruit flies, termites, and mealworms
• Sugary foods: sugar water, honey, and syrup (ratio of 3:1 water to sugar or honey)
• Fruits and soft vegetables
• Jelly or ant-specific nutritional gels

Humidity and Temperature:

• Humidity: Arena: 50-70%, Nest: 70-80%
• Temperature: Arena: 22-28 °C, Nest: 24-28 °C

A Feature of the Carebara affinis Species:
Carebara affinis are notable for their extreme polymorphism, with tiny minor workers and relatively large, robust majors. This size disparity allows them to specialize in different tasks within the colony.

Recommended Nests for Breeding:
Carebara affinis thrives in nests made of:

• Acrylic+gypsum (with hydration chambers)
• Gypsum (to maintain higher humidity)
• Ytong or aerated concrete (for stable temperature and humidity)

Breeding:
Breeding Carebara affinis can be a rewarding experience. To initiate the breeding process, ensure the colony is healthy and has enough worker ants. Introduce a male ant when conditions are favorable, and the colony is ready for new members. With patience and proper care, your colony may produce new queens and males, leading to colony expansion.

Conclusion:
Carebara affinis is a captivating and aggressive ant species with unique colony behavior. By providing a suitable habitat, balanced diet, and proper care, you can create an environment where these ants thrive and exhibit their captivating behavior. Embark on the journey of observing and caring for Carebara affinis, and unlock the secrets of this fascinating ant species.

Embark on the journey of observing and caring for Carebara affinis, and unlock the secrets of this captivating ant species. To learn more about ants, visit the ants category on our website.