Endangered in the UK | Intermediate
 
Formica Rufibarbis is endangered in the UK, now known only to a handful of locations they are on the Red List and efforts are being made to try and save them. Their conservation makes the capture or keeping of UK species (or any EU species where on the Red list) against the law.
 
For this reason, and to conserve endangered stocks our queens are sourced from Western Russia where, like much of Europe they are thriving.
 
However back in the UK the only nests are located on a heath in Surrey, the exact location is kept discreet as not to entice intrigued locals however there is a more pressing issue at play. Their nests are only a few hundred meters away from some very persistent slavemakers - Formica Sanguinea.
 
Rufibarbis are like many other Formica, a bullied species. They are a host for Formica Sanguinea who take over their nests in a bid to start their own. Unlike the other species though, Rufibarbis are much better equipped and skilled at fending off would-be invaders.
 
They prefer to nest in open spaces and have a single entrance hole. Their nests are usually found in warmer soils, by riverbanks, grassland & heaths. They can be found under stones and items on the ground nesting in places with less moisture. However they regularly border forest where they will encounter other species like rufa too and have been known to steal their prey food before the rufa numbers multiply.
 
Rufibarbis can be easily confused with other Formica species, coupled with discreet nests they can be hard to observe, however larger workers will display a black head and gaster with a lighter red/orange throrax.
 
Being extremely aggressive is not only beneficial against slavemakers, it enables them to take down larger prey and using teamwork, bring it back to their nest. They also have no problem waging war against other ant species and will regularly attack other species found on their routes.
 
Your nest however will need some ventilation and relative peace and darkness to protect against their formica acid, a build up will harm the colony.
 
Queen & Colony
Age - Up to 15 years (estimated)
Polygyne - 1 to 3  queens per nest
Queen Size - 9mm to 10mm
Fully Claustral - No food required while founding
Colony Size - 500 to 1000 per queen
Worker Size - 4mm-7mm
Temperature & Humidity
Nest 22 to 28 Degrees | Outworld 20 to 30 Degrees
Nest 45% to 65% | Outworld 30% to 60%
Diapause / Hibernation
Yes - October through March at 6 to 10 degrees
Polymorphic (Yes, minorly)
Minor Worker - 4mm to 5.5mm
Major Worker - 6mm to 7mm
Bite | Acid
They will bite if threatened | Uses formic acid
Diet
Sugars, Proteins (insects)
Always ensure a constant fresh water supply is provided
Nest Type
Natural recommended but possible acrylic, glass and ytong too.
Development
Egg to Adult Worker - 8 to 12 weeks
 
Additional The provision of organic (non heat-treated) conifer/pine resin is advised as there is a possibility they use it in a similar way to fomica rufa.