Myrmecocystus kennedyi

549,90 zł – 869,90 zł

Number of workers

SKU: AOTA316 Category: Ants Tags: ant, Ant Atlas, ant colony, ant on top, antontop, Atlas de hormigas, Atlas Mrówek, Brachymyrmex laevis, Camponotus abscisus, Camponotus aethiops, Camponotus cruentatus, Myrmecocystus mimicus, Queen of ants, Сephalotes minutus

Worldwide shipping

Free delivery over 500 PLN

The highest quality of goods

Live delivery guarantee

24/7 Personal Support

Fair Prices

Description

Myrmecocystus kennedyi is a monogynous ant species with colonies reaching up to 5,000–8,000 workers. They develop at a moderate pace. The queen measures approximately 12–14 mm in length, while workers range from 4.5 to 7 mm. Their body is typically light to reddish-brown, with a slightly darker gaster, and they have a somewhat glossy appearance. As with other species in the genus, repletes (specialized workers that store food) may be present in mature colonies. Their diet consists of insect prey, sweet substances like nectar or syrup, fruit, jelly, and protein-rich foods such as cooked egg or chicken.

Additional information

Behavior	Moderate
Difficulty in breeding	For intermediates
Origin	North America
The size of ants	Medium
Wintering	No Wintering

Description

Myrmecocystus kennedyi

Colony Type: Monogynous
Colony Size: Up to 8,000–10,000 workers
Development Speed: Medium (quicker under warm and stable conditions)

Size:

• Queen: 11–13 mm
• Workers: 4–8 mm

Coloration:

Typically a reddish-brown to golden-orange head and thorax, with a darker brown to black gaster. Their coloration can vary slightly based on region and diet. Like other Myrmecocystus, they have a slightly shiny, smooth appearance and are often fast-moving foragers.

Diet:

• Insects (crickets, fruit flies, roaches – dead or live)
• Sugar sources: Honey-water or sugar-water mix (4:1 ratio)
• Fruits and vegetables (apple, grape, melon, carrot)
• Insect or protein jelly
• Cooked, unsalted chicken, shrimp, or egg white

Tip: Avoid overfeeding sugary liquids to prevent mold buildup in the nest.

Environmental Conditions

• Humidity:
Arena: 40–60%
Nest: 50–70%

• Temperature:
Arena: 24–32 °C
Nest: 23–27 °C

They thrive in warm, dry environments, mimicking desert or semi-arid conditions.

Unique Traits of Myrmecocystus kennedyi

Like other members of the genus, M. kennedyi is known for producing repletes—specialized workers that store sugary liquids in their swollen abdomens, creating living reservoirs that hang from the nest ceiling. These honey pot ants are adapted to desert life, storing excess food during times of abundance for use during drought or scarcity.

Their foraging behavior is fast and bold, and they often exhibit trophallaxis (food sharing) within the colony.

Nesting Recommendations

Suitable nest types include:
• Acrylic nests with hydration chambers
• Plaster or gypsum nests
• Cork (sealed)
• Aerated concrete (YTONG)

Avoid overly humid conditions and ensure adequate ventilation to prevent fungal issues, especially in warmer climates.

Summary

Myrmecocystus kennedyi is a desert-adapted ant species prized for its honey pot repletes, striking coloration, and active foraging behavior. Their fascinating biology and manageable care requirements make them a rewarding species for hobbyists who enjoy observing complex colony dynamics and food storage behavior. Ideal for ant keepers with some experience in desert-dwelling ants.