Spanish sparrows Passer hispaniolensis feeding on Swarming winged ant Camponatus barbaricus

Abstract

On the morning of 14 July 1992, moderately large numbers of winged ants belonging to the species Camponotus barbaricuswere obseNed emerging from nests in Mdina, Howard gardens in Rabat and at Fleur-de-Lys in the Birkirkara area. Camponotus barbaricus is the largest species of ant recorded in Malta. It is widespread. Nests are usually constructed in soil but sometimes extend under stones. Most of the nests in Mdina were in cracks in masonry. The workers are mainly nocturnal and omnivorous. This species occurs in Spain and Italy and is common in North Africa. It is one of more than 44 species which are known to occur in the Maltese islands.