Food: Carebara diversa ants require a diet rich in protein to support their rapid growth. They are not picky eaters and will consume sugars from fruit, sugar water, or ant jellies. For protein, they thrive on freshly killed insects such as fruit flies, mealworms, crickets, and other smaller insects. Including seeds high in lipid content, such as chia seeds, walnuts, peanuts, and amaranthus seeds, is beneficial.
Humidity: These ants need a humid environment to thrive. Hydrate the nest regularly to maintain the appropriate humidity levels. A natural, bioactive setup that replicates the forest floor of their native habitat is ideal for promoting the right temperature and humidity parameters.
Temperature: Carebara diversa does well in a warm environment. Heat part of the setup to create a temperature gradient, ensuring the ants have a suitable range to thrive in.
Hibernation: Carebara diversa does not require hibernation.
Sting/Bite: While these ants are known for their predatory behavior, their sting or bite is not particularly harmful to humans. However, their large major workers can be intimidating.
Colony Management: Due to their susceptibility to mites, ensure good ventilation and clean the setup frequently to remove uneaten food. Carebara diversa can adapt well to plaster or concrete-based formicariums, but a natural setup is recommended for optimal conditions.
Additional Tips: Ensure your formicarium can accommodate their rapid growth and frequent feeding needs. Being a polygynous species, they can produce a large number of eggs, leading to a significant increase in colony size.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully care for and manage a thriving colony of Carebara diversa ants, keeping in mind their aggressive nature and rapid growth.
