Messor arenarius

Colony Type: Monogyny

Colony Size: Up to 5000 workers

Development Speed: medium

• Queen: 18-23 mm
• Workers: 6-13 mm
• Majors: 14-19 mm

• Food insects (such as cockroaches and crickets) dead, or live if colony is big
• Fruits and vegetables
• Jelly
• Cooked chicken without salt, shrimps

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: 22-30 °C, Nest: 22-26 °C

Messor arenarius ants exhibit fascinating behaviors and specializations within their colonies. Major workers have enlarged mandibles, allowing them to efficiently cut and transport seeds. These seeds are then stored in granaries within the nest, providing a long-term food supply.

The workers also exhibit division of labor, with some individuals focusing on foraging, while others tend to the queen and larvae. This intricate social structure ensures the well-being and productivity of the colony.

If you’re interested in keeping Messor arenarius ants, it is important to provide them with a suitable ant farm setup. This can be achieved by using a formicarium, which is a specially designed enclosure that mimics the natural habitat of these ants.

The formicarium should include a nesting area, where the queen and brood can be safely housed, as well as a foraging area where the workers can search for food. The nesting area should have a moist substrate to maintain proper humidity levels. Providing a heating element can help create the warm temperature conditions ideal for Messor arenarius.

Regular maintenance of the ant farm is essential to ensure the health and well-being of your Messor arenarius colony. This includes providing a balanced diet, cleaning the farm regularly, and monitoring the temperature and humidity levels.

Messor arenarius, the harvester ant, is a captivating ant species that offers a unique and rewarding experience for ant enthusiasts. From their impressive size and striking black coloration to their specialized behaviors and dietary preferences, these ants are sure to captivate and fascinate anyone who keeps them.

By providing the ideal habitat and care for your Messor arenarius colony, you can observe the intricate social interactions and marvel at their industrious nature. So if you’re looking to add an intriguing ant species to your collection, Messor arenarius is an excellent choice!