Manica rubida

Name: Manica rubida
Origin: Mountainous regions of Southern and Central Europe (including the Pyrenees, the Alps)
Queen: approx. 9.5 – 13 mm
Workers: approx. 5 – 9 mm
Food: Carbohydrates (honey, sugar water), proteins (insects)
Humidity: High – this species is very sensitive to the nest drying out, so always keep it sufficiently moist
Temperature: 20 – 25 degrees
Winter Dormancy: Yes, approx. 5 – 6 months (October to March) at 8 – 12 degrees
Nest Type: Nests with good, constant humidity (e.g. aerated concrete/Ytong or plaster with a moisture chamber)
Colony Size: Several hundred to a few thousand workers

Advantages and Disadvantages of Manica rubida:

Advantages:
An attractive, robust European mountain ant with interesting behaviour.

Disadvantages:
Very sensitive to drying out – insufficient humidity can quickly lead to brood and worker losses. Also sensitive to vibrations and light exposure in the nest. Requires several months of winter dormancy.

Care:
Test tube setup at first (semi-claustral founding – the queen must be able to leave the test tube to forage for food), later a continuously well-humidified nest.

Feeding:
Offer honey or sugar water as well as regular feeder insects.

Winter Dormancy:
Overwinter from October to March at 8 – 12 degrees. Ensure constant nest humidity even during winter dormancy.