Aphaenogaster gibbosa

Description

Aphaenogaster gibbosa – Mediterranean ants with interesting behaviour

Aphaenogaster gibbosa is a species of ant found mainly in the warmer regions of Southern Europe and North Africa. In the wild, they most commonly build their nests in the ground, under stones or in places that provide them with stable humidity and shelter from excessive sunlight.

These ants are slender, agile and fascinating to watch. They are not particularly large, but they more than make up for this with their distinctive way of moving and their activity within the colony. They usually go out in search of food in the evening or at night, so they are ideal for people who enjoy observing the colony after dark.

Description of the species Aphaenogaster gibbosa

Aphaenogaster gibbosa forms monogynous colonies, meaning that a typical colony has a single queen. The workers do not form a separate soldier caste, so the colony does not feature large majors, as seen in Messor or Pheidole. Despite this, the species can be very interesting to observe, particularly whilst foraging and transporting food.

The worker ants are slender, fairly fast and move nimbly around the arena. Their colouring is usually brown or dark brown, often with lighter legs. This gives them a natural and elegant appearance, particularly in soil-based or gypsum formicaria, or in well-designed arenas.

The colonies grow at a fairly steady pace, without any sudden surges in numbers. This is an advantage for the keeper who does not want a species that, after a few months, will start to require constant nest expansion. With regular feeding and stable conditions, the colony gradually increases in size, providing great satisfaction to the observer.

The challenges of breeding Aphaenogaster gibbosa

Breeding Aphaenogaster gibbosa is not particularly difficult, but it is worth bearing in mind that this species is not entirely low-maintenance. The most important thing is to ensure they have constant access to water, moderate humidity in the nest, and a varied diet.

This is a good choice for beginners who have read up on the basics of ant-keeping and want to try a less obvious species. If you’ve previously kept Lasius niger, Messor barbarus or Camponotus nicobarensis, this species will be an interesting next step.

The advantages of breeding Aphaenogaster gibbosa

• Interesting behaviour: Ants are mainly active in the evening and at night, which gives us the chance to observe their natural way of life.
• A simple diet: They readily eat feed insects, honey, nectar, fruit and small oilseeds.
• Lack of soldiers: The colony is easy to observe and does not have widely diverse castes.
• Slow growth: They do not grow as rapidly as some tropical species, so it is easier to control the size of the colony.
• An interesting appearance: Their slender build and brown colouring make them stand out from common farmed species.

Breeding instructions for Aphaenogaster gibbosa

It is best to keep Aphaenogaster gibbosa at a temperature of around 22–28°C. The nest should have a slightly damp section, but must not be constantly waterlogged. These ants thrive in acrylic, plaster, Ytong, earthen and 3D formicariums, provided they have access to water and a peaceful place to develop.

The diet should be varied. The staple food consists of live insects, such as fruit flies, small cockroaches, crickets or mealworms. As a source of energy, it is worth offering honey mixed with water, ant nectar or small amounts of fruit. In addition, you can offer small oilseeds, such as chia, poppy, sunflower or crushed nuts, but in small quantities so that they do not accumulate in the nest.

• Temperature: Ideally 22–28°C, with a warmer area in the enclosure or nest.
• Humidity: Moderate, particularly in the nesting area.
• Diet: Insects, honey, nectar, fruit and small oilseeds.
• Hibernation: A mild hibernation at a temperature of around 15°C for 2–3 months is recommended.
• Formicarium: Acrylic, plaster, Ytong, earth or 3D.

The first few days after purchase

Once you have received your colony of Aphaenogaster gibbosa, it is best to leave the ants in peace for a few days. It is best to place the test tube in a dark, quiet place, without shaking it frequently or peeking inside every few minutes. To start with, simply provide water and a small amount of food, preferably something sweet and a small feed insect.

Only transfer the colony to the formicarium once it has a sufficient number of workers and clearly starts to need more space. A nest that is too large at the start can make it difficult to control humidity and cleanliness, so it is better to let the colony develop gradually.

If you’re looking for ants that are different from the most popular species, but which can still be kept without a great deal of experience, Aphaenogaster gibbosa would be an excellent choice. It is a calm, interesting and naturally behaving species that can be a lot of fun to observe on a daily basis.