{"product_id":"messor-barbarus-european-harvester-ant","title":"Messor Barbarus (European Harvester Ant)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessor barbarus\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(Harvester Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMessor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarvester 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMessor 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eColonies should be kept between 19-28C and a humidity level between 40-70% (depending on nesting areas). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003eillegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 queen \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564672861,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen","offer_id":64148564705629,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 red head queen | 5-8 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564738397,"sku":null,"price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 red headed queen","offer_id":64148564771165,"sku":null,"price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 bicoloured queen","offer_id":64148564803933,"sku":null,"price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 red head queen \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564836701,"sku":null,"price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 bicoloured queen \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564869469,"sku":null,"price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen | 1-3 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564902237,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 red head queen | 1-3 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564935005,"sku":null,"price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen | 5-8 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148564967773,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen | 12-18 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148565000541,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen | 25-30 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148565033309,"sku":null,"price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen | 40-50 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64148565066077,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Messorbarbarus1.webp?v=1775931409","url":"https:\/\/www.antshq.co.uk\/products\/messor-barbarus-european-harvester-ant","provider":"Ants HQ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}