Formica Cinerea - The Ash Grey Field Runner
Intermediate (Because of speed and formic acid)
 
This ash grey beauty is a formidable and fast species. Thriving throughout several continents they lay their victory to their aggressive and predatory nature.
 
Vast in numbers a single queen can produce up to 10,000 workers, but this species is polygyne and with multiple queens their daughters can overwhelm prey and bring back enough protein to feed the colony with ease. They love a range of habitats, primarily open spaces like fields and especially sand. However, they are not limited to these areas and their adaptability helps them in not only their European dominance but that of Russia, Asia and the Middle East alike.
 
Generally unprovoked, you can enjoy this docile species and their beautiful colourings with ease. Aggravated they can rally and recruit extremely quickly with their mass call pheromone and rapid speeds. As with other Formica, they spray formic acid. Be careful in your enclosures and allow ventilation as a colony of Cinerea will quickly fill their outworld with Acid if angry.
 
Enjoy this species and their shiny grey colour, they will provide you with hours of entertainment as they work together to eat whatever meal you place in their outworld.
 
They hibernate between November and March.
CAUTION: This species sprays formic acid. Avoid contact with Eyes, Nose and Throat as well as any open cuts. Ventilate nest and outworld to avoid over-spray.
 
Colony Size 
Up to 10,000 workers
Queen 
Fully Claustral, no food until first workers
Age Up to 23 years
Temperature 
Room Temperature 21 to 25 degrees
Humidity 
Nest: 50-60%
Hibernation 
Yes - November to March
Polymorphic (Different size casts) 
No
Sting/Spray 
Yes - FORMIC ACID
Bite 
Yes
Diet 
Insects, Sugars, Carbs
Nest Type 
Sand, Earth, Ytong, Plaster,
Size 
Queen - 12mm
Worker - 6mm-8mm
Development 
Egg to Adult Worker - 6 to 8 weeks