{"product_id":"rhytidiponera-metallica","title":"Rhytidiponera Metallica","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRhytidiponera metallica\u003c\/em\u003e (Green Headed Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis alluring, green metallic species of ant originates from the Eastern terrirtories of Australia, therefore encompassing a range of subtropical\/temperate areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eColonies of this species can reach upto 2,000-4,000 worker ants and interestingly, these are able to reproduce through the apperance of gamergates (reproductive worker ants). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, nests are often found underground between shrubs and stones in the soil. Moreover, this is a relatively common species of ant found in the East Coast of Australia. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey are a relatively fast growing species of ant yet display fairly large levels of aggresion when threatened. Alongside feeder insects and sweet liquid solutions, this keystone species of ants should be provided with a variety of seeds as they generally have a pivotal role in seed dispering mechanisms in their natural habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCaution should be maintained when handling these as they can sting and cause irritation. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDue to the temperate\/subtropical nature of their natural environment, these ants are  generally active throughout the year but their metabolism does slow down during the winter and therefore, a light hibernation period should be replicated during the months of June to August. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTop tip: \u003c\/strong\u003eIf you're looking for an open display terrarium style ant farm, these are unable to climb vertically on smooth surfaces such as glass!\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\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 queen | 1-3 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64156538634589,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen \u0026 brood","offer_id":64156538601821,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Rhytidoponerametallica1.webp?v=1776144868","url":"https:\/\/www.antshq.co.uk\/products\/rhytidiponera-metallica","provider":"Ants HQ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}