Myrmecocystus melliger

• Queen: 12–13 mm

• Workers: 4–9 mm

• 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)

Tip: Check out our ant food products to provide a balanced, species-appropriate diet!

• Humidity:
 Arena: 40–60%
 Nest: 50–70%

• Temperature:
 Arena: 23–30 °C
 Nest: 22–26 °C

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.

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)

These materials maintain stable humidity levels and allow for proper nest expansion as the colony grows.

Myrmecocystus melliger is a remarkable honey pot ant species with a monogynous colony structure and medium growth rate. Their unique food-storing repletes highlight an extraordinary evolutionary strategy for desert survival. This species is an excellent choice for keepers looking for both beauty and fascinating natural behavior in their ant colonies.