Formica fusca (1 queen, 5-10 workers, eggs)

Species Info:

• General:
  Formica fusca, commonly known as the “common black ant,” is a hardy, resilient species found across Europe and parts of Asia. Queens and workers are sleek black or dark brown with a subtle metallic sheen. They’re cautious but fast movers and defend themselves by spraying formic acid when threatened. Formica fusca is a great pick for beginners thanks to its adaptability and relatively peaceful nature.
• Diet:
  Omnivorous with a strong preference for liquid sugars such as honey water and sugar water. Protein sources like small insects (fruit flies, crickets, mealworms) are crucial for brood development. Regular, varied feeding keeps colonies healthier and growing faster.
• Temperature:
  Formica fusca survives across a wide range but thrives best with supplemental heat, ideally 72–82°F (22–28°C). Normal room temperature usually works, but added heat noticeably speeds up brood development.
• Diapause:
  This species requires a winter diapause of roughly 3-4 months around 39–45°F (4–7°C). Achieve it in a wine cooler, mini fridge, or another stable cool environment. Cool gradually to mimic natural seasonal transitions.
• Growth:
  Brood develops in 6–8 weeks from egg to worker, depending on temperature and nutrition. Colonies tend to grow slowly in year one, typically reaching 50–100 workers, and expand steadily to several hundred over time with good care. Formica fusca is long-lived, with queens often surviving 10–15 years under proper conditions.