Aphaenogaster swammerdami (Red Long Legged Ant)

Aphaenogaster swammerdami (Red Funnel Ant)
 
A truly rare, large species of Aphaenogaster hailing from Madagascar. Queens and workers are mainly a dark, glossy red colour with their gasters being fully black. A.swammerdami is one of the larger Aphaenogasters as queens reach 14-15mm and workers an impressive 12-13mm, not to mention their strinkingly long legs which almost make them look like they are suspended off the ground. 
 
Colonies in the wild are often found fairly deep underground (1-2m) however their population size rarely exceeds 1500-2000 individuals. Despite this, workers are extremely well adapted to their environment and are considered to be opportunistic foragers, taking in different food items from insects to seeds as well as extra florar nectars. 
 
Interestingly, they maintain a type of mutualistic relationship with a variety of snakes, that's right.. snakes! Their deep nests offer perfect shelter for the snakes from predators and the natural elements, in turn, the snakes ward off potential predators that could threaten the ants. Locals will often refer to the snakes as the "Ant's mother". 
 
All in all, this species is incredibly hardy and not fussy when it comes to feeding. Colonies should be kept between 25-28C for optimal growth and a relative humidity level between 55-70%. This species will adapt to a range of formicariums but we find Y-tong, Sand/Clay or grout based nests such as our Earthscape nests are most suitable. 
 
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.