Manica rubida

Manica rubida are a alpine semi-claustral species of ant. Manica rubida can be difficult to rear as they require moderate to high levels of humidity, constant drinking water, easy access to live (but small) prey such as fruit flies and require minimal disturbance to prevent them eating their brood. These ants thrive at room temperature (around 21 degrees C) and should not need additional heating. Manica rubida have a painful sting similar to Polistes sp. wasp.

You should always hibernate this species.

Description of Queen: 8-12mm Long, Colour: Red/Brown – Shiny

Description of Workers: 2-4mm Long,  Colour: Red/Brown – Shiny

Rearing Difficulty: Medium – Difficulty founding, reactive to disturbance, painful sting.

Food requirements: Protein (live/dead insects) and sweet liquids

Humidity: 80% – 95% RH

Temperature: 18 – 22 degrees C

Hibernation Required: Yes. Hibernate between November to March at 5 degrees (and always above freezing)

Minimum Tube / Connector Diameter: 9mm

Life span of Queen: ~ 10 Years

These ants are not native to the UK and is therefore illegal to release them into the wild. Please contact AntKit if you no longer wish to keep them and we will arrange for them to be collected from you at no cost.