How to feed Manica rubida
Manica rubida is a large red mountain ant with a painful sting. A predator, it needs plenty of protein. Its founding is semi-claustral: the queen must be fed.
What does Manica rubida eat?
- Protein (main food): crickets, flies, chopped worms; live prey accepted.
- Sugar: sugar water or diluted honey.
- Founding: one small prey and one drop of sugar a week for the lone queen.
How much to feed
Guidelines for a colony with a moderate amount of brood, at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F):
| WORKERS | PROTEIN | SUGAR / 3–4 DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| 10 (Nanitics) | 1 prey item every 5 days | 1 drop |
| 50 (Small) | 5 prey items every 4 days | 2 drops |
| 150 (Growing) | 15 prey items every 3 days | 5 drops |
| 400 (Established) | 37 prey items every 3 days | 13 drops |
1 prey item = one insect the size of a fruit fly (2–3 mm). A medium cricket (1 cm) is worth about 50 prey items. 1 drop ≈ 0.05 mL.
These are starting points. If food is left after 24 h, give less; if everything disappears fast and the brood grows, give more. The calculator also adjusts for brood and temperature.
Hibernation
November to March, 5–10 °C.
Common mistakes
- Not feeding the founding queen.
- Handling it bare-handed: the sting hurts.
- Keeping the nest too warm: it is a mountain species.
FAQ
Should I feed a Manica rubida queen?
Yes: its founding is semi-claustral.
Does Manica rubida sting?
Yes, and the sting is quite painful.
How often should I feed it?
Protein every 3–5 days, sugar always available.
Amounts and timings are average guidelines, not rules. Always adjust to what you see in your own colony (leftovers, appetite, brood).