Odontomachus hastatus

Hurry and get discounts up to 40% Read more

The Odontomachus hastatus is a polygynous ant colony with a medium development rate. The queen measures 15-18mm while workers measure 12-14mm. They are yellowish brown to dark brown in color and feed on food insects and sweet fruit. They thrive in a humidity level of 60-70% in their arena and 60-80% in their nest.

zł 1,549.90

Compare

Add to wishlist

Shipping and returns

We give a 100% guarantee for the delivery of a live queen and colony to the client. You can read more about guarantees on the Guarantees page.

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	Huge
Origin	South America

Description

Odontomachus hastatus: The Fascinating Trap-Jaw Ant

Discover the captivating world of Odontomachus hastatus, commonly known as the trap-jaw ant. This species of ant is renowned for its exceptional abilities and intriguing behavior. In this article, we will delve into the various characteristics and features of Odontomachus hastatus, including its colony type, size, development rate, nutrition, and preferred habitats. Let’s explore the wonders of these remarkable creatures!

Colony Type and Size

Odontomachus hastatus colonies boast a remarkable social structure called polygyny, which entails multiple queens coexisting within a single colony. This polygynous system enhances reproductive potential and promotes effective coordination within the colony. The colony size of Odontomachus hastatus can reach up to an impressive 700 worker ants. These industrious ants collaborate to ensure the survival and prosperity of the colony.

Physical Characteristics

The queen of Odontomachus hastatus measures between 15-18mm, making her notably larger than the worker ants. Workers range in size from 12-14mm. The ants display a stunning array of colors, ranging from yellowish brown to dark brown. This coloration serves as camouflage in their various natural habitats.

Nutrition

Odontomachus hastatus is a carnivorous species that primarily preys on insects such as cockroaches and crickets. They also have a preference for sweet fruits, which add to their nutritional intake. This varied diet ensures that the ants acquire the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.

Habitat and Environmental Requirements

For optimal health and well-being, Odontomachus hastatus thrives in specific humidity and temperature conditions. The foraging area, or arena, should maintain a humidity level of 60-70%, while the nest requires a slightly higher humidity level between 60-80%. The arena temperature should be maintained within the range of 21-30 °C, while the nest temperature should be kept between 24-28 °C. Providing these appropriate environmental conditions ensures the ants’ overall comfort and enables their natural behaviors to flourish.

Unique Features and Abilities

One of the most remarkable features of Odontomachus hastatus is its powerful mandibles, capable of opening at an astonishing 180 degrees. These lightning-fast jaws allow the ants to capture their prey with incredible precision and prevent any chance of escape. Odontomachus hastatus possesses the fastest reflexes found in nature, with its mandibles accelerating from 0 km/h to a mind-boggling 230 km/h in just 0.13 milliseconds. This incredible predatory adaptation enables swift prey capture and ensures the survival of the colony.

Recommended Habitats for Breeding

When creating a conducive nest for breeding Odontomachus hastatus, materials such as acrylic, cork, plaster, and aerated concrete are recommended. These materials replicate the ants’ natural habitat, allowing the colony to thrive and exhibit their instinctive behaviors.

Overall, Odontomachus hastatus, the trap-jaw ant, stands as a marvel of nature, with its polygynous colony structure, astonishing reflexes, and unique predatory abilities. By appreciating their needs and creating the perfect environment, we can observe and marvel at the wonders of these incredible creatures.