Acromyrmex octospinosus

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The Acromyrmex octospinosus is a species of ants that have a monogynous colony type. They can have a colony size of up to 20,000 workers and have a fast development speed. The size of the queen ranges from 12-14mm, while workers are 3-9mm and majores are 10-15mm. They have a reddish brown color and feed on their own fungus, which they grow by feeding on the leaves of plants.

zł 739.90 – zł 999.90

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Product care

The most important thing is that you read the temperature conditions, moisture and what to feed the ants. It is important not to introduce too small a colony into a large formicarium, much less just one queen. It’s good if the formicarium is divided by partitions and if the first chamber is very small (such as in our Comfort formicarium). We recommend reading more information about keeping ants in our blogs!

Product details

Difficulty in breeding	Experts
Behavior	Aggressive
Wintering	No Wintering
The size of ants	Medium
Origin	South America

Description

About Acromyrmex octospinosus (Leafcutter Ant)

Discover the fascinating Acromyrmex octospinosus, commonly known as the Leafcutter Ant. This intriguing species native to South America possesses unique behavior and impressive abilities. Learn more about their characteristics, care, and the benefits of keeping Acromyrmex octospinosus colonies.

Colony Characteristics

Acromyrmex octospinosus colonies feature a single queen, making them monogynous. These colonies can grow to impressive sizes of up to 20,000 workers, demonstrating their scale and complexity. The rapid development speed of these ants promotes the population’s growth.

Size and Color

The queen ant of Acromyrmex octospinosus measures approximately 12-14mm in length, while the workers range from 3-9mm. Additionally, major workers exist within the colony, measuring between 10-15mm. These leafcutter ants exhibit a striking reddish-brown hue, enhancing their unique appearance.

Nutrition and Feeding

Acromyrmex octospinosus rely on a cultivated fungus as their main source of nutrition. To sustain this fungus, they consume specific food sources. The primary diet includes leaves from plants like blackberries, raspberries, roses, boxwood, elderberry, oak, lime-tree, and wild wine. In case of emergencies, they can also consume oat flakes or fruits such as apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes. Providing a diversified diet ensures the colony’s health and well-being.

Humidity and Temperature

Maintaining an optimal environment is critical for the thriving Acromyrmex octospinosus colonies. The arena’s humidity levels should be kept between 40-70%, while the nests require higher humidity levels of 80-90%. The arena’s temperature should range between 21–30 °C, while the nests should be maintained at temperatures of 22–27 °C. By providing these suitable conditions, you allow the ants to exhibit their natural behaviors and flourish. If you want to know more about creating a suitable environment for your ants, check out our ant habitat guide on AntOnTop.com.

Special Features

Acromyrmex octospinosus ants boast individuality and remarkable traits. They are highly active and display a strong curiosity towards exploring their surroundings. Using their mandibles, these ants skillfully cut leaves to create their fungus gardens. Their distinctive behavior and abilities make them a captivating species for observation and study.

Recommended Nests

For breeding Acromyrmex octospinosus, it is recommended to use glass boxes as nests. These transparent boxes enable clear observation and monitoring of the ants’ activities. Additionally, the visibility allows for easier maintenance of the required humidity and temperature levels that contribute to the colony’s well-being.

In conclusion,

Acromyrmex octospinosus is an excellent choice for those seeking captivating ants to keep and study. With their monogynous colony structure, impressive sizes, and distinctive behaviors, they make a fascinating addition to any ant enthusiast’s collection. By providing the proper nutrition, humidity, and temperature, you can create an ideal environment for these ants to thrive and flourish. Embark on this captivating journey and discover the wonders of Acromyrmex octospinosus for yourself.