Myrmecocystus placodops

Colony Type: Monogyny

Colony Size: Up to 10 000 workers

Development Speed: medium

• Queen: 14-16 mm
• Workers: 6-11 mm

Their distinct coloration is characterized by a reddish hue combined with a black body, creating a visually striking appearance.

• 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

Don’t forget to check out our food products to ensure a well-balanced diet for your colony!

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

One fascinating feature of Myrmecocystus placodops is their unique ability to store carbohydrates in their bellies, just like honey ants. These specialized ants fill their bellies to a large size and then hang upside down from the ceiling of their nest, creating a stunning sight to behold. This behavior contributes to the colony’s energy reserves and helps sustain them during times of scarcity.

In addition, Myrmecocystus placodops is known to be an aggressive species, displaying strong defensive behaviors when their colony is threatened. This adaptability and defense mechanism make them resilient in the face of challenges.

Furthermore, Myrmecocystus placodops exhibits a medium development rate, allowing for quick establishment during the installation phase. This characteristic enables the colony to grow and thrive at a steady pace, ensuring the continuation of their lineage.

When creating an optimal habitat for Myrmecocystus placodops, consider using nests made of acrylic, cork, gypsum, or aerated concrete. These materials provide a suitable environment for nesting, allowing the colony to build and expand their intricate tunnels and chambers.