Messor Barbarus (European Harvester Ant)

Messor barbarus (Harvester Ant)

Messor barbarus, a species of harvester ant, is commonly found throughout Central and Southern Europe. These ants have a mostly black body, with a red or brown head in queens and large major workers. Minor and media workers typically lack this red colouration.

Harvester ants? Yes, these ants are true to their name! They form long, continuous lines of workers, sometimes stretching several meters, transporting plant seeds and husks from the collection site (A) back to their nest (B), usually working from dawn till dusk. 

But here's where it gets even more fascinating: the collected seeds aren’t just stored. To make them useful for the colony, media workers remove the pulp from the husk, chew it, and combine it with their saliva and enzymes to create a substance known as "ant bread." This is then fed to the colony's larvae!

In the wild, these ants build nests among low-lying shrubs, ground plants, and undisturbed areas, often near olive trees, at the base of mountain ranges, or in fields on the outskirts of cities where vegetation is plentiful.

Messor barbarus is a generally docile species, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The colony grows quickly once it reaches 20 workers or more. While they are active year-round, these ants would benefit from a short hibernation period, typically from January to March, to mimic their natural environment.

Colonies should be kept between 19-28C and a humidity level between 40-70% (depending on nesting areas). 

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