Messor instabilis

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Messor instabilis is a monogynous ant species with colony sizes up to 5000 workers. They have a slow development speed. The queen is 10-13mm in size, workers are 3-7mm, and majors are 7-11mm. They have a dark color with a dark brown-red chest. Their diet consists of food insects like cockroaches and crickets, as well as seeds. They require humidity levels of 30-50% in the arena and 50-70% in the nest.

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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 begginers
Behavior	Calm
Wintering	No Wintering
The size of ants	Medium
Origin	Near East

Description

Messor instabilis Ants: A Calm and Fascinating Species

Are you looking for a unique and low-maintenance pet? Messor instabilis, also known as the Mediterranean Harvester Ant, is a captivating ant species that can provide hours of entertainment and education. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, benefits, and recommended habitats for breeding these fascinating creatures.

Colony Type and Size

Messor instabilis is a monogynous ant species, meaning it has a single queen in each colony. This characteristic makes the breeding and maintenance of these ants relatively simple. A mature colony can consist of up to 5000 workers, creating a bustling and fascinating microcosm to observe.

Size and Color

The size of the ants within a Messor instabilis colony can vary. The queen measures between 10-13mm, while the workers range from 3-7mm. The majors, which are specialized workers, can reach a size of 7-11mm. These ants have a dark coloration, with a distinct dark brown-red chest that adds to their aesthetic appeal.

Nutrition

Messor instabilis ants have a diverse diet, consisting of both food insects and seeds. In the wild, they are known for their incredible ability to harvest and store seeds for future consumption. If you decide to keep these ants as pets, you can provide them with a variety of food insects such as cockroaches and crickets. Offering a mixture of seeds will also help replicate their natural foraging behavior.

Humidity and Temperature Requirements

Maintaining the optimal humidity and temperature levels is crucial for the well-being of Messor instabilis ants. The arena, where they mainly forage and explore, should have a humidity level ranging from 30-50%. On the other hand, the nest, where the ants establish their central activities and care for the brood, should be kept between 50-70% humidity. The temperature in the arena should be maintained at a comfortable range of 25–30 °C, while the nest temperature should be slightly cooler, between 23–28 °C.

Recommended Nests for Breeding

Providing your Messor instabilis ants with a suitable nesting environment is vital for their overall well-being and natural behavior. Various materials can be used to create their nests, such as acrylic, cork, plaster, and aerated concrete. These materials offer a comfortable and secure environment for the ants to establish their nest and carry out their daily activities.

The Fascinating World of Messor instabilis

Messor instabilis ants are not only visually fascinating but also incredibly interesting to observe. Their calm demeanor and intricate social structure make them a popular choice among ant enthusiasts. Whether you are a casual observer or an avid ant keeper, these creatures can provide endless hours of joy, entertainment, and educational value.

Observing the Daily Activities

One of the many benefits of owning Messor instabilis ants is the opportunity to observe their daily activities. You can witness the workers tirelessly foraging for food, carrying seeds and insects back to their nest. The cooperation and organization displayed within the colony are truly awe-inspiring. Additionally, you may even have the chance to witness the queen laying eggs and the brood developing over time.

Educational Value

Keeping Messor instabilis ants can be an excellent educational activity, especially for children and those interested in biology and ecology. Owning an active ant colony allows for hands-on learning experiences, providing insights into the complex social structures and behaviors of these incredible insects. It’s a unique way to teach responsibility, patience, and appreciation for the natural world.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Messor instabilis ants are not just intriguing in their behavior but also visually striking. Their dark coloration, distinctive chest, and intriguing movement patterns make them an aesthetically pleasing addition to any living space. Whether placed in a naturalistic terrarium or an observation formicarium, these ants can add a touch of beauty and wonder to any environment.

In Conclusion

Messor instabilis ants are a captivating and low-maintenance species that offer a unique and rewarding pet-keeping experience. Their calm nature, diverse diet, and captivating behavior make them an excellent choice for ant enthusiasts of all ages. By providing them with suitable nesting materials and maintaining the recommended humidity and temperature levels, you can create a thriving environment for these fascinating creatures. Consider adding Messor instabilis to your collection and embark on a journey into the captivating world of ant keeping.