Formica sanguinea (Raptiformica)

Name: Formica sanguinea
Origin: Europe (also widespread in Germany)
Queen: approx. 9 – 11 mm
Workers: approx. 6 – 9 mm
Food: Carbohydrates (e.g., honey, sugar water), Proteins (insects like flies, crickets, cockroaches)
Humidity:
• Arena: 40 – 60 %
• Nest: 60 – 80 %
Temperature:
• Arena: 20 – 26 °C
• Nest: 22 – 28 °C
Hibernation: Yes, approx. 3 – 4 months at 5 – 8 °C
Nest type: Plaster, Ytong, or soil nests with good ventilation
Colony size: approx. 500 – 2,000 workers

Advantages and Disadvantages of the species Formica sanguinea

Advantages:
Formica sanguinea is particularly fascinating due to its predatory and slave-making behavior. It can integrate foreign workers (mostly Formica fusca) into its colony. It is robust, diurnal, adaptable, and native to Central Europe – thus well adapted to local conditions. Its striking red and black coloration makes it visually very attractive.

Disadvantages:
This species is less suitable for beginners, as it exhibits complex behavior and can become quite aggressive when disturbed. Caution is advised when handling them. Furthermore, a slave species (e.g., Formica fusca) is necessary or at least helpful for successful colony founding.

Keeping

Formica sanguinea requires a well-structured environment with escape prevention. For founding, a test tube nest with an arena (at least 10×10 cm) is possible. Later, a plaster or Ytong nest with a humid nest chamber should be used. The arena should be 20×20 cm or larger. They are diurnal and show exciting interactions among themselves and with their slave species.

Feeding

Formica sanguinea is an active hunter. Offer proteins in the form of small insects (e.g., flies, crickets, cockroaches) every 2–3 days. Carbohydrates (honey, sugar water) should always be available. Pay attention to hygiene and change sugar water regularly (at least once a week).

Hibernation

Formica sanguinea requires classic hibernation.
From November to February/March, the colony should be kept at approx. 5 – 8 °C.