Odontomachus aciculatus

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Odontomachus aciculatus is a polygynous ant species with a colony size of up to 500 workers. They have a medium development rate and are about 10-13mm in size. The ants are black-black-brown in color with brown legs. They feed on food insects like cockroaches and crickets, as well as sweet fruit. They require humidity levels of 60-70% in the arena and 60-80% in the nest. The optimal temperature for their habitat is not specified.

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

Description

Odontomachus aciculatus

Welcome to our product description for Odontomachus aciculatus. This species of ant is known for its unique characteristics and fascinating behaviors. In this detailed description, we will explore the colony type, size, development rate, nutrition, humidity, temperature preferences, and recommended nests for breeding. Let’s dive in!

Colony Type and Size

Odontomachus aciculatus is a polygynous species, meaning it can have multiple queens in one colony. This interesting dynamic allows for a larger colony size, which can reach up to 500 workers. The ants work together efficiently to ensure the survival and growth of the colony.

Development Rate

The development rate of Odontomachus aciculatus can be described as medium. From egg to adult ant, it takes a moderate amount of time, allowing for steady population growth and productivity within the colony.

Size and Color

The queen of Odontomachus aciculatus typically measures between 10-13mm in length. The workers are slightly smaller, ranging from 10-12mm. These ants have a unique coloration, with a body that varies between *black-black-brown* and distinguishable brown legs.

Nutrition

Odontomachus aciculatus primarily feeds on *food insects* such as cockroaches and crickets. They rely on these sources of protein to sustain their colony and support the growth of their larvae. Additionally, they have a taste for sweet fruit, which provides necessary carbohydrates. A varied diet is essential for the well-being and health of these fascinating ants.

Humidity and Temperature Preferences

Maintaining proper levels of humidity and temperature is crucial for the well-being of Odontomachus aciculatus. In the arena area, the ideal humidity ranges from *60-70%*, while in the nest, it should be kept between *60-80%*. Temperature-wise, the arena temperature should be maintained at *21-30 °C*, while the nest temperature should stay within *24-28 °C*. Creating and maintaining these optimal environmental conditions will ensure the overall health and productivity of the colony.

Feature of the Species

Odontomachus aciculatus is known for its remarkable feature – it has a *sting*. This sting plays a crucial role in both defense and capturing prey. The ants possess lightning-fast jaws that can open *180 degrees*. This incredible jaw movement allows them to swiftly catch their prey and prevent them from escaping. In fact, Odontomachus aciculatus holds the record for having the fastest reflexes in nature. Their mandibles can accelerate from *0 km/h to 230 km/h* in just *0.13 milliseconds*. This stunning capability enables them to be highly efficient predators in their ecosystem.

Recommended Nests for Breeding

When it comes to creating the ideal nesting conditions for Odontomachus aciculatus, several materials are recommended. Nests made from *acrylic*, *cork*, *gypsum*, and *aerated concrete* have proven to be suitable choices. These materials provide the necessary structure, insulation, and moisture control to support the thriving development of the ant colony.

In conclusion, Odontomachus aciculatus is a fascinating species of ant with unique characteristics and behaviors. From their polygynous colony structure to their lightning-fast jaws and incredible reflexes, these ants are truly remarkable. By providing the right nutrition, humidity, temperature, and nest materials, enthusiasts can create optimal conditions for breeding and observing these amazing insects. We hope this detailed description has provided valuable insights into Odontomachus aciculatus and its captivating world. Happy ant-keeping!