Cataglyphis hispanica

Cataglyphis hispanica
 
This species of desert ant is one of the largest in Europe and rival some of those found across the African continent. Cataglyphis hispanica are renown for their sheer running speed as well as developed eyesight. 
 
Queens are 15-17mm in size whereas workers vary between 6-15mm. Both are predominantly black with hints of dark red throughout the head. 
 
Colonies are often found in Southern Europe and North Africa, they specifically nest in dry, sandy areas that are exposed to sunlight and are sparse in vegetation. Mature nests are deep underground and workers will diligently excavate intricate networks of chambers and tunnels to house their growing empire. 
 
Interestingly, colonies can be polygynous, meaning that more than one queen may be present. This species is characterised by their large colony sizes and fast development, therefore space should be considered as a factor before deciding to keep these. 
 
Cataglyphis hispanica are not typically fussy when it comes to feeding and will take a range of insects, especially red runner roaches and curly flies supplemented with sweet sugars and nectars. 
 
Their setup should have a temperature gradient with nesting areas being slightly cooler (25-28C) than their respective foraging areas (28-32C). This is similar with humidity levels, 50-60% and 30-40% respectively. 
 
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.