Carebara Affinis - Asian Army Ant - EXPERT species
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Micro founding colony = Queen with brood and anything from 1 to 40 workers.
Small founding Colony = Queen with brood and around 40 to 100 workers
Medium founding Colony= Queen with brood and around 100 to 200 workers (will usually contain medias)
Natually our sizing refers to the Foundation size of a colony and a Small or Medium "founding" colony does not constitute a fully grown small or medium colony which could contain thousands of ants.
The Asian army ant - Expert Species Carebara Affinis is a force which is not to be taken lightly. Their growth will resemble a geminata fire ant colony (but without the stingers) and their behaviour is much like the army ants of the Americas.
Known as the Marauder ant they earn this title with pride. The colony can send swarm trails for food which will be 1/3 or more of the colony. With 10k plus individuals trailing out each morning on a quest they will obliterate everything in their path. From seeds to insects nothing is safe from an established affinis colony.
Encountering other colonies will see even the tiny workers show bravery beyond recognition as the front line reinforces in a bid to overpower the danger with numbers.
Affinis are well known for some of the most extreme polymorphism in the ant world. With tiny minors around 2mm long they will hitchhike on larger workers and completely cover the queen. This species has supermajors too. Their entire existence is to subdue prey and crush the seeds they find (Seeds can make up to 50% of their diet). Supermajors can be 300 times the weight of minors and this polymorphism really is an attractive part of keeping as this species will not fail to amaze you, they will grow super fast with up to 1,000 or 2,000 workers being present in the first 6 to 10 months.
Affinis will turn soil in natural setups so bare this in mind when you are designing yours. Be nest ready and escape proof, the key to this species is always having the next upgrade on hand. Whenever you move them in or add a nest, buy the next one the same day so it is ready. Using escape prevention is critical too, but be weary of oil for this species as their "eat everything" diet will see them eating an oil barrier for the calories within it. Minding this advice will reward you with the most fun species you are sure to keep.
The main difference between Affinis and Diversa consitutes the size and colour of the workers and queen. Diversa are larger and will need a larger floor space. Although as supermajors and medias are not often seen, the only real noticable difference in the 2 species will be the colour. Diversa are mostly black and Affinis are mostly amber for minors and amber/black for media up.
Queen
Age - Up to 8 years (estimated)
Polygyne - Multiple queens per nest (ip to 16 queens in a colony)
Fully Claustral - No food until first workers
Temperature & Humidity
Nest 27 to 30 Degrees | Outworld 25 to 30 Degrees
Nest 50% to 60% | Outworld 30% to 80%
Diapause / Hibernation
No
Polymorphic (Extreme)
Workers- 2mm to 3mm
Medias & Majors - 4mm to 9mm
Super Majors - 9mm to 15mm
Bite
They will bite in numbers
Diet
Sugars, & Proteins in huge amounts
Always ensure a constant fresh water supply is provided
Nest
Type Natural, Acrylic, Ytong, Earth, Glass
Development
Egg to Adult Worker - 7 to 10 weeks