Barbary harvester ant (Messor barbarus)
Messor barbarus · Messor
Barbary harvester ant (Messor barbarus). Recorded flying from September through November. Flights are typically seen during the day. Very large (~15–18 mm), blackish with a massive, glossy head.
When do Barbary harvester ants fly?
Recorded flying from September through November.
Flight calendar
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☀ Day
Recorded at absolute latitudes between 36° and 44°.
Queen appearance
Very large (~15–18 mm), blackish with a massive, glossy head.
slow and heavy
Founding care
Needs a winter diapause: a cool, dark rest period each year.
Diet: Mainly seeds and nuts but dead insects and sugar water, honey too.
Read more on AntWiki →Care data from antkeeping.info (CC BY 4.0).
Habitat
Soil · also soil mound · typical for this genus
After a flight, watch bare or grassy ground for wingless queens. Watch cleared, sunny ground for wingless queens.
More Messor species
Harvester ants (Messor capitatus)See Barbary harvester ants where you live
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