Myrmecocystus mendax

• Queen: 10-12 mm
• Workers: 4-8 mm

Color: Their bodies and heads are reddish in color, while their backs are black.

• Food insects (such as cockroaches and crickets) dead, or live if colony is big
• Syrup (a mixture of water and honey or sugar, with a ratio of 4/3 water:1)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Jelly
• Cooked chicken without salt, shrimps
• Honey

• Humidity: Arena: 40-60%, Nest: 50-70%
• Temperature: Arena: 23-30 °C, Nest: 22-26 °C

One fascinating characteristic of Myrmecocystus mendax ants is their ability to store food reserves within their bodies. They have specially adapted sacs that can be filled with carbohydrates, resembling grapes. Once these sacs are full, the ants hang upside down from the ceiling of their nest. This behavior not only serves as a storage mechanism but also helps to regulate the overall temperature and humidity within the colony.

Creating an appropriate and comfortable environment for Myrmecocystus mendax ants is crucial for their successful breeding. There are several recommended nest types that provide an ideal living space for these ants. Acrylic nests offer transparency, allowing enthusiasts to observe the ants’ activities easily. Cork nests provide a natural and eco-friendly option, giving the ants a sense of their native environment. Plaster and aerated concrete nests are also suitable choices that provide a stable and secure space for the ants to thrive.