Myrmecocystus wheeleri
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Description
Myrmecocystus wheeleri is a monogynous ant species with colonies reaching up to 6,000–10,000 workers. They exhibit a moderate development speed. Queens measure approximately 12–14 mm in length, while workers range from 4.5 to 7 mm. Their coloration is generally light to reddish-brown, with a darker, often slightly translucent gaster. Like other species in the genus, they may develop repletes—workers specialized in storing liquid food. Their diet includes small insects, sugary liquids like nectar or syrup, fruits, jelly, and protein-rich foods such as cooked chicken or egg.ir diet includes small insects, sugary liquids like nectar or syrup, fruits, jelly, and protein-rich foods such as cooked chicken or egg.
Additional information
| Behavior | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty in breeding | |
| Origin | |
| The size of ants | |
| Wintering |
Myrmecocystus wheeleri
Colony Type: Monogynous
Colony Size: Up to 8,000–10,000 workers
Development Speed: Medium
Size:
• Queen: 11–13 mm
• Workers: 4–8 mm
Color: Typically golden to reddish-brown head and thorax with a dark brown or black gaster. This species has a slightly fuzzy, matte texture and is visually similar to other honey pot ants like M. mexicanus or M. kennedyi.
Nutrition
• Insects (e.g., roaches, fruit flies, crickets — dead or live)
• Syrup (4:1 water to sugar/honey mix)
• Fruits and vegetables (apple, melon, grapes, cucumber)
• Protein jelly
• Unsalted cooked chicken, egg white, or shrimp
• Occasional pure honey (in moderation)
Temperature and Humidity
• Humidity:
Arena: 40–60%
Nest: 50–70%
• Temperature:
Arena: 24–32 °C
Nest: 23–27 °C
This is a desert-adapted species, so it prefers warm and relatively dry environments.
Unique Traits of Myrmecocystus wheeleri
Like other species in the genus, M. wheeleri is known for producing repletes—specialized workers that store sugary liquids in their distended abdomens. These “honey pot” ants are a key survival strategy in their native arid habitats, storing food during times of abundance.
This species is an active forager, often seen quickly exploring its environment and retrieving food sources. Colonies show strong cooperative behavior, and replete formation usually begins after the colony reaches a certain size.
Nesting Recommendations
Ideal materials include:
• Acrylic nests with hydration chambers
• Plaster or gypsum nests
• Aerated concrete (YTONG)
• Sealed cork nests (with careful humidity management)
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