Myrmecocystus melliger
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Description
Myrmecocystus melliger is a monogynous ant species with a medium development rate. The queen measures 12–13 mm, while the workers range from 4–9 mm. They typically display a light brown to reddish body with a darker gaster. This species is known for its honey pot workers (repletes), which store liquid food in their distended abdomens.
They feed on insects, sweet syrups, fruits, honey, and protein-rich foods. Humidity should be maintained at 40–60% in the arena and 50–70% in the nest, while the temperature should remain between 23–30 °C in the arena and 22–26 °C in the nest.
Additional information
| Behavior | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty in breeding | |
| Origin | |
| The size of ants | |
| Wintering |
Myrmecocystus melliger
Colony Type: Monogynous
Colony Size: Up to 10,000 workers
Development Speed: Medium
Size
Queen: 12–13 mm
Workers: 4–9 mm
Nutrition
• Insects (e.g., crickets, roaches)—dead or live (especially for larger colonies)
• Syrup (4 parts water to 1 part honey or sugar)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Insect jelly or protein jelly
• Cooked, unsalted chicken or shrimp
• Pure honey (in moderation)
Environmental Conditions
• Humidity:
Arena: 40–60%
Nest: 50–70%
• Temperature:
Arena: 23–30 °C
Nest: 22–26 °C
Unique Traits of Myrmecocystus melliger
Like its close relatives, Myrmecocystus melliger is famous for its repletes—specialized workers that store liquid food in their enlarged abdomens. These “living honey pots” hang from the nest ceiling and serve as vital food reservoirs during dry or resource-scarce periods.
This adaptation allows M. melliger colonies to thrive in harsh desert environments and makes them one of the most visually striking species for ant keepers.
Nesting Recommendations
To support a thriving colony, it’s important to select suitable nesting materials. Myrmecocystus flaviceps colonies do well in nests made from:
• Acrylic
• Plaster
• Cork
• Aerated concrete (YTONG)
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