Ectomomyrmex astutus

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Summary: Ectomomyrmex astutus is a monogynous ant species with colonies of up to 500 workers. They have a medium development rate and the queen measures 12-13mm while workers measure 9-12mm. They are black in color and their diet includes food insects, syrup, fruits, vegetables, jelly, and cooked chicken without salt.

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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	For intermediates
Behavior	Aggressive
Wintering	No Wintering
The size of ants	Medium
Origin	Eastern and South Asia

Description

Ectomomyrmex astutus: The Fascinating Sting-Bearing Ant

If you’re looking for a unique and captivating addition to your ant collection, look no further than Ectomomyrmex astutus. With its monogynous colony type and medium development rate, this ant species is sure to intrigue and delight ant enthusiasts of all levels of experience.

Size and Appearance

Ectomomyrmex astutus comes in a range of sizes. The queen measures an impressive **12-13mm** in length, making her the largest individual in the colony. Workers vary in size but typically range from **9-12mm**. Regardless of size, all members of this species sport a striking black coloration that adds to their allure.

Nutrition and Feeding

Feeding Ectomomyrmex astutus is a breeze with their diverse diet. These ants thrive on a combination of food insects such as cockroaches and crickets, syrup (a mixture of water and honey in a ratio of 4:1 or 3:1), fruits, vegetables, jelly, and cooked chicken without salt. With such a varied menu, you can ensure that your colony receives the nutrients it needs to grow and flourish.

Optimal Habitat Conditions

Creating the perfect habitat for Ectomomyrmex astutus is key to maintaining a healthy and thriving colony. These ants prefer an arena humidity of **40-60%** and nest humidity between **50-70%**. Temperature is equally important, with the arena temperature ranging from **24-30°C** and the nest temperature hovering between **22-25°C**. By providing these optimal conditions, you can ensure the well-being and longevity of your ant colony.

The Remarkable Sting Feature

One of the most fascinating aspects of Ectomomyrmex astutus is their **sting**. These ants possess a specialized stinging mechanism that they use for defense and capturing prey. This unique feature sets them apart from other ants and makes them a standout species for ant enthusiasts seeking a captivating addition to their collection.

Recommended Nests for Breeding

When it comes to breeding Ectomomyrmex astutus, there are a few recommended nest options to choose from. Acrylic nests offer a clear and durable option for observing the ants’ activities while providing sufficient space for the colony to expand. Cork nests provide a more naturalistic and aesthetically pleasing environment, allowing the ants to create their tunnels and chambers. Gypsum and aerated concrete nests offer excellent insulation and moisture regulation, ensuring the optimal conditions for your ant colony’s growth and development.

Conclusion

Ectomomyrmex astutus is a captivating ant species that offers a range of unique features and behaviors. From their intriguing monogynous colony type to their remarkable stinging capabilities, these ants are sure to mesmerize and captivate ant enthusiasts. By providing the optimal housing conditions and a diverse diet, you can ensure the health and longevity of your Ectomomyrmex astutus colony. Consider adding this extraordinary ant species to your collection and embark on a journey into the fascinating world of ant keeping.