Tapinoma magnum

These ants are undoubtedly among the most dominant and aggressive invasive species. They are found throughout the Mediterranean basin, and in some areas, such as Greece, they are a significant nuisance for residents. They can also be found in the Middle East and North Africa. This species is relatively uncommon in captivity but has enormous potential. They exhibit in-nest swarming, a caste system, very rapid development, ease of breeding, and remarkable voracity and aggression. In the wild, they form supercolonies, occupying areas of tens or even hundreds of meters (yards), with hundreds of queens and over 20 million workers. This species is famous for its fierce competition with another very invasive species, Linepithema humile (the Argentine ant). Tapinoma magnum is considered one of the primary factors limiting the expansion of Linepithema, for example, on Corsica and southern France. Field studies by scientists have shown that in competition with Linepithema humile, Tapinoma always occupies 100% of food sources first, then attacks and destroys the Argentine ant nests. The Argentine ants have never been able to dominate Tapinoma in return. Tapinoma are more efficient both in locating and securing food sources and in direct combat with humile. Despite eliminating a dangerous environmental species, they themselves pose an equal or even greater problem. They thrive in human-altered environments, can cope well with droughts and periodic flooding of their habitats. Once they settle in a place, they are practically impossible to remove. Residents of Corsica have even created a Facebook group dedicated to combating this species. Unfortunately, these ants are very resilient and resourceful, resistant to both chemical ant control agents and other traditional methods of pest control. The only (supposedly) effective way to combat Tapinoma is daily flooding of nearby nests with alcohol or gasoline and setting them on fire. This operation repeated daily for several weeks is said to discourage the ants from nesting in the area. If unsuccessful, this species can cause enormous damage, from attacking pets (there are reports of these ants even eating dogs) and humans, to regular raids into homes in search of easy food, to destroying entire plantations of plants like citrus or olive trees, which they love. Sometimes, desperate and hopeless owners sell their homes after losing the war against Tapinoma in their gardens and move away. The success of this species in colonizing new areas also lies in their "frost resistance." These ants have reached Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, where they managed to survive 14 days of frost without any health damage, with an average temperature of -6.6°C (-9.88°F) and a lowest of -15°C (5°F).

Another interesting trait of this species is that the workers emit a characteristic, very unpleasant smell when threatened, which is very intense in large colonies. 

As for keeping these ants at home, it is really enjoyable if the nest is sealed and an anti-escape agent is used, such as talcum powder.

Tapinoma magnum is an "ideal" species for some people. Their hunting abilities are incredible (and they want to hunt all the time due to their voracity), offering fantastic observation opportunities. Combined with rapid development and in-nest swarming, they are a very satisfying exotic species to keep. The conditions for keeping these ants are very simple to create; they thrive in almost any type of nest available on the market. It's beneficial to heat them, as this significantly speeds up development, and the ants like to warm their offspring near a heat source. Regarding food, they are not picky, attacking any insect species you offer them, but an essential part of their diet is also honey or sugar water.