Myrmecocystus mendax

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The Myrmecocystus mendax ant colony is polygynous, with a colony size of 10,000 workers. They have a medium development rate and range in size from 10-12mm for queens and 4-8mm for workers. They are reddish in color with a black back. They feed on food insects, fruits, vegetables. The recommended humidity for their arena is 40-60% and for their nest is 50-70%.

zł 597.70 – zł 639.90

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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	Moderate
Wintering	No Wintering
The size of ants	Medium
Origin	North America

Description

Myrmecocystus mendax – The Fascinating Ant Colony

Myrmecocystus mendax is a species of ants that have captivated the attention of ant enthusiasts and researchers alike. These ants have a unique colony type, polygyny, which means that they have multiple queens in their colonies. With a colony size of up to 10,000 workers, they form bustling communities that are a wonder to observe.

Size and Appearance

The queen of Myrmecocystus mendax is larger, measuring between 10 to 12mm in length. The workers, on the other hand, are smaller, ranging from 4 to 8mm. Their bodies and heads are reddish in color, while their backs are black. This distinct coloration makes them easily distinguishable among other ant species.

Nutrition

When it comes to nutrition, Myrmecocystus mendax ants have diverse dietary preferences. They primarily feed on food insects such as cockroaches and crickets. In addition to that, they also consume fruits, vegetables. Their ability to adapt to different food sources makes them versatile and resilient.

Humidity and Temperature

Creating the right environment for Myrmecocystus mendax ants is vital for their well-being. A humidity level of 40-60% is recommended for the arena, where the ants explore and forage. In the nest, a slightly higher humidity level of 50-70% is ideal to mimic their natural habitat. In terms of temperature, the arena should be maintained at 23-30 °C, while the nest should be kept between 22-25 °C. These conditions ensure that the ants thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

A Unique Feature

One fascinating characteristic of Myrmecocystus mendax ants is their ability to store food reserves within their bodies. They have specially adapted sacs that can be filled with carbohydrates, resembling grapes. Once these sacs are full, the ants hang upside down from the ceiling of their nest. This behavior not only serves as a storage mechanism but also helps to regulate the overall temperature and humidity within the colony.

Recommended Nests

Creating an appropriate and comfortable environment for Myrmecocystus mendax ants is crucial for their successful breeding. There are several recommended nest types that provide an ideal living space for these ants. Acrylic nests offer transparency, allowing enthusiasts to observe the ants’ activities easily. Cork nests provide a natural and eco-friendly option, giving the ants a sense of their native environment. Plaster and aerated concrete nests are also suitable choices that provide a stable and secure space for the ants to thrive.

In Conclusion

Myrmecocystus mendax ants are remarkable creatures that showcase the intricacies of nature. The polygynous colony structure, combined with their unique dietary preferences and storage abilities, make them a captivating species to study and observe. By providing the appropriate conditions and recommended nest options, we can witness these ants thrive and create a thriving community right before our eyes.