Formica subsericea (1 queen, brood)

Species Info:

• General: A fast-moving, highly adaptable Formica species. Queens and workers are black with a silvery sheen and are known for their speed and formic acid defense.
• Diet: Omnivorous with a preference for liquid sugars and proteins such as crickets, mealworms, and small insects. Regular feeding directly drives colony growth.
• Temperature: Tolerates a wide range but grows best with extra heat, ideally 75-85°F.
• Diapause: Requires a 3-4 month diapause around 40°F. A wine cooler, mini fridge, or stable unheated room works. Gradual cooling before diapause is recommended.
• Growth: Brood develops in 5-7 weeks. Colonies can reach hundreds of workers in the first year and several thousand over time under good conditions.