Aphaenogaster Dulcinea

Aphaenogaster dulcinea 

This small, slender, brown (yellow underbelly) coloured species is native to Spain's urban inland green areas (i.e. urban parks and meadows). It's considered a relatively rare species of ant due to its peculiar behaviours and scarcity. 

In the wild, nests are often found amongst low lying shrubs and ground dwelling plants typically associated with urban habitats. Particularly under stones and slabs or more increasingly, in crevices, such as in exterior, south facing man-made walls. 

They are a generally docile species of ant. Despite this, they should be considered as an intermediate species of ant in terms of keeping level in captivity as due to their slow growth, especially during the foundation stages, novice mistakes could lead to the failure of this sensitive species of ant. However, once the colony reaches a sizeable number of workers (20-30), colony growth is faster. 

Due to the nature of their native habitat, a cool hibernation period from November - February is advised. 

It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.