{"product_id":"formica-aserva-queen-colony","title":"Formica aserva – Sanguinary Ant Queen \/ Colony","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvanced. \u003cem\u003eFormica aserva\u003c\/em\u003e is a dulotic species — a social parasite that relies on host ants to raise its first generation of biological workers. This is not a founding-from-scratch ant. Success requires an understanding of dependent colony founding, host worker dynamics, and the patience to support the colony through a biologically complex transition phase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is best suited to experienced keepers who are comfortable with \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e husbandry and who have a genuine interest in social parasite biology. It is not recommended for beginners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFormica aserva\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly known as the Sanguinary Ant, is one of North America's most remarkable ant species. Found across Canada and the northern United States, this species practises dulosis — a form of colony-level social parasitism in which workers raid the nests of other \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e species to steal brood. The stolen larvae and pupae develop into host workers that perform colony labour alongside the biological \u003cem\u003eF. aserva\u003c\/em\u003e workers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorkers are reddish with a darker gaster, active, bold, and visually striking. Colonies are polygynous and can grow to thousands of workers over multiple seasons. In captivity, the gradual transition from host workers to biological workers is one of the most compelling phenomena in ant keeping — a living demonstration of coevolution and social complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor keepers who want to observe something genuinely different, \u003cem\u003eFormica aserva\u003c\/em\u003e offers an experience that no common species can match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Behaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eF. aserva\u003c\/em\u003e colonies conduct organised raids on neighbouring \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e colonies — typically members of the \u003cem\u003efusca\u003c\/em\u003e group — stealing brood to replenish their host worker population. Workers are fast-moving, coordinated, and bold. This raiding behaviour is an evolved strategy, not opportunistic; it is fundamental to how the species sustains itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, raiding is not required or possible, but the colony's social dynamics remain fascinating. Early-phase colonies are dominated by host workers going about typical ant tasks — foraging, nursing, and maintaining the nest. As the queen's own offspring — the biological workers — begin to emerge and mature, a gradual shift occurs. Biological workers are noticeably more active and assertive, and over time they take over all colony responsibilities as the host workers naturally age and die.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObserving this transition — from a colony largely composed of borrowed workers to one entirely built from the queen's own offspring — is one of the defining experiences of keeping this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFormica aserva\u003c\/em\u003e feeds the same way as other \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e species. Offer a liquid sugar source alongside regular protein. Honey-water (diluted) or QNC Honey Nectar works well as a sugar source. Protein should be provided in the form of small feeder insects — fruit flies for early colonies, small crickets or mealworms as the colony grows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed in moderate amounts and remove uneaten protein promptly to prevent mould and stress. Active colonies consume more than newly founded ones — adjust quantities as the biological worker population grows. Maintain a clean feeding area at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFounding Type\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDependent — temporary social parasite. A newly mated \u003cem\u003eF. aserva\u003c\/em\u003e queen cannot found a colony independently. She requires workers from a compatible host species (typically other \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e) to raise her first generation of biological workers. Without host workers, the queen's brood will not be tended and the founding attempt will fail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is reflected in the variant structure available for this product. \"Host Workers\" variants include the queen paired with borrowed host ant workers, representing the early dependent phase. \"Biological Workers\" variants include the queen's own offspring workers and possibly some remaining host workers, representing a more advanced and self-sustaining colony state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the biological worker population is well established, the colony becomes fully self-sustaining. Host workers are not replenished — they age and die naturally, and the biological workers take over all colony functions. Do not attempt to remove host workers early; they are essential to the colony's survival during the founding phase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eColony Structure\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFormica aserva\u003c\/em\u003e colonies are polygynous. This product is available in 1-queen (1Q), 2-queen (2Q), and 3-queen (3Q) variants. Multiple queens generally support faster colony growth and a more resilient founding phase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorkers are reddish in colouration with a darker gaster, medium in size, and visibly active. Colony cohesion is strong, and the colony becomes increasingly dynamic as biological workers increase in number and take on more of the colony's workload.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eQueen \u0026amp; Worker Sizing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQueens measure approximately 9–11 mm. Workers range from 6–8 mm. Both queens and workers display the characteristic reddish colouration with a darker gaster typical of this species group. Queens are robust and recognisable within the colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowth \/ Mature Colony Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColony growth in \u003cem\u003eF. aserva\u003c\/em\u003e is gradual in the early phases, constrained by the dependent founding dynamic. Once biological workers are producing and the colony is self-sustaining, growth accelerates across seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature colonies can reach thousands of workers over multiple years of successful overwintering and active seasons. This is a long-term species — keepers should approach it as a multi-season commitment rather than a species that reaches impressive numbers quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDiapause \/ Hibernation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiapause is mandatory. \u003cem\u003eFormica aserva\u003c\/em\u003e is a Canadian temperate species and requires a genuine winter cooling period of 3–5 months to remain healthy and reproductive. Skipping diapause will result in colony decline over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCool the colony gradually in autumn, reducing temperature over several weeks before reaching the target range of approximately 4–8°C. Keep the colony in darkness, minimise disturbance, and ensure the nest substrate does not dry out completely during this period. Resume warming gradually in spring as daylight hours increase. Queens typically resume laying shortly after the colony warms and stabilises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the active season, maintain an ambient temperature of 21–27°C. \u003cem\u003eFormica aserva\u003c\/em\u003e is tolerant of normal indoor temperatures within this range, making it manageable in a Canadian home environment without specialised heating equipment in most seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumidity should be maintained at 50–65% with a moisture gradient across the nest — a humid end and a drier end — allowing the colony to self-regulate. Test tube setups provide this gradient naturally. Monitor the nest moisture level and remoisten as needed. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can stress the colony and encourage mould.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the early dependent founding phase, keep the colony in a low-stress, undisturbed environment. A QNC modular founding nest or the included test tube setup is appropriate for this stage. Limit observation to avoid disturbing the queen and host workers during this sensitive period — frequent disruption during founding is one of the most common causes of early colony failure in dependent species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce biological workers are well established and the colony is visibly active and stable, expand to a QNC modular formicarium. Choose an outworld and foraging area proportionate to the current colony size and expand incrementally as numbers grow. \u003cem\u003eF. aserva\u003c\/em\u003e workers are active and will use the full space available to them once the colony is confident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBest For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eExperienced ant keepers with prior \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e husbandry experience\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eKeepers with a genuine interest in social parasite biology and dulotic species\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThose who want to observe the unique transition from host workers to biological workers in real time\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCollectors building an advanced and biologically diverse ant keeping collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eKeepers prepared for a multi-season, long-term colony development commitment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDo not remove host workers prematurely — they are essential to the colony's survival during the dependent founding phase\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMaintain stable, low-stress conditions during founding; frequent disturbance is a significant risk factor for failure\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDiapause is mandatory — do not skip or shorten winter cooling\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThis is an advanced species; not recommended for beginners or those unfamiliar with \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e care requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eColony growth is gradual — be patient, especially during the first active season\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRemove uneaten protein promptly to prevent mould and colony stress\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1× \u003cem\u003eFormica aserva\u003c\/em\u003e queen or colony depending on selected variant\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1× 16 × 125 mm hydrated test tube setup with cotton plug\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProtective bubble wrapping for shipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Queens'N'Colonies","offers":[{"title":"1 Queen \/ With 10-25 Host Workers","offer_id":52542259200276,"sku":null,"price":54.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Queen \/ With 50-100 Host Workers","offer_id":52542259233044,"sku":null,"price":89.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Queen \/ With 1-5 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259265812,"sku":null,"price":65.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Queen \/ With 5-10 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259298580,"sku":null,"price":84.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Queen \/ With 10-25 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259331348,"sku":null,"price":103.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Queen \/ With 25-50 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259364116,"sku":null,"price":149.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Queen \/ With 50-100 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259396884,"sku":null,"price":224.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens \/ With 10-25 Host Workers","offer_id":52542259429652,"sku":null,"price":94.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens \/ With 50-100 Host Workers","offer_id":52542259462420,"sku":null,"price":154.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens \/ With 1-5 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259495188,"sku":null,"price":119.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens \/ With 5-10 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259527956,"sku":null,"price":149.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens \/ With 10-25 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259560724,"sku":null,"price":179.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens \/ With 25-50 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259593492,"sku":null,"price":189.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens \/ With 50-100 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259626260,"sku":null,"price":349.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Queens \/ With 10-25 Host Workers","offer_id":52542259659028,"sku":null,"price":129.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Queens \/ With 50-100 Host Workers","offer_id":52542259691796,"sku":null,"price":209.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Queens \/ With 1-5 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259724564,"sku":null,"price":169.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Queens \/ With 5-10 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259757332,"sku":null,"price":209.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Queens \/ With 10-25 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259790100,"sku":null,"price":249.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Queens \/ With 25-50 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259822868,"sku":null,"price":279.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Queens \/ With 50-100 Biological Workers","offer_id":52542259855636,"sku":null,"price":489.47,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/5760\/1812\/files\/5a49950a-cb95-47cf-aa89-950949003eb0.png?v=1779748151","url":"https:\/\/www.queensncolonies.com\/products\/formica-aserva-queen-colony","provider":"Queens'N'Colonies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}