Odontomachus simillimus

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The Odontomachus simillimus colonies are polyginia and can have up to 200 workers. They have a medium development rate. The queen measures 11-12 mm and workers measure 10-11 mm. They are black with reddish extremities. Their nutrition consists of food insects and sweet fruit. The recommended humidity levels for the arena and nest are 60-70% and 60-80% respectively.

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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 simillimus: A Fascinating Species of Trap-Jaw Ant

Odontomachus simillimus is a fascinating species of ant that belongs to the family Formicidae. These ants are commonly known as trap-jaw ants due to their unique and impressive jaws that can open up to 180 degrees. They are native to various regions and can be found in tropical and subtropical areas around the world.

Colony Type and Size

Odontomachus simillimus colonies are of the polyginia type, which means they have multiple queens. This type of colony organization allows for increased growth and expansion. The colony size can reach up to 200 workers, making them relatively large compared to other ant species.

Development Rate

The development rate of Odontomachus simillimus is considered medium. This means that the workers go through the stages of larva, pupa, and eventually emerge as adults at a moderate pace. This ensures a steady growth and development of the colony.

Size and Color

The queen of Odontomachus simillimus is typically around 11-12 mm in size, while the workers measure between 10-11 mm. These ants have a distinct coloration, with a black body and reddish extremities. This unique color pattern makes them easily recognizable.

Nutrition

Odontomachus simillimus primarily feeds on food insects such as cockroaches and crickets. They are also known to consume sweet fruits when available. Providing a varied diet of insects and fruits ensures their nutritional needs are met, promoting overall colony health and growth.

Humidity and Temperature

Proper humidity and temperature levels are crucial for the well-being of Odontomachus simillimus colonies. In the arena area, a humidity level of 60-70% is recommended, while in the nest, a slightly higher humidity of 60-80% is suitable. It is important to maintain a stable temperature as well, with the arena area ranging from 21-30 °C and the nest area between 24-28 °C.

Special Features

One of the standout features of Odontomachus simillimus is their powerful sting. When threatened or in the process of capturing prey, these ants can deliver a painful sting, which serves as a defense mechanism against predators. However, it is essential to handle them with care to avoid any potentially harmful stings.

Another remarkable characteristic of Odontomachus simillimus is their lightning-fast jaws. Their jaws can open up to an impressive 180 degrees, allowing them to capture prey with astonishing speed. Once the jaws snap shut, they prevent the captured prey from escaping. This unique adaptation makes them highly effective hunters.

Recommended Nests for Breeding

When it comes to breeding Odontomachus simillimus, various nest options can be considered. Acrylic, cork, plaster, and aerated concrete nests are popular choices among ant enthusiasts. These materials provide the ideal combination of durability, insulation, and ease of maintenance required for the successful establishment and growth of the colony.

In conclusion, Odontomachus simillimus is a captivating species of trap-jaw ant with remarkable features and growth characteristics. With the proper care and attention to their specific requirements, these ants can thrive and create fascinating colonies that showcase nature’s incredible diversity.