Myrmecocystus flaviceps

549,90 zł – 869,90 zł

Number of workers

SKU: AOTA293 Category: Ants Tags: ant, Ant Atlas, ant colony, ant on top, antontop, Atlas de hormigas, Atlas Mrówek, Brachymyrmex laevis, Camponotus abscisus, Camponotus aethiops, Camponotus cruentatus, Myrmecocystus mimicus, Queen of ants, Сephalotes minutus

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Description

Myrmecocystus flaviceps is a monogynous ant species with a medium development rate. The queen measures 11–12 mm, while the workers range from 4–8 mm. They typically display a reddish head and thorax with a darker gaster. This species is known for its honey pot workers (repletes), which store liquid food in their distended abdomens.

They feed on insects, syrups, fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods. Humidity should be maintained at 40–60% in the arena and 50–70% in the nest, while the temperature should remain between 23–30 °C in the arena and 22–26 °C in the nest.

Additional information

Behavior	Moderate
Difficulty in breeding	Experts
Origin	North America
The size of ants	Medium
Wintering	No Wintering

Description

Myrmecocystus flaviceps

Colony Type: Monogynous
Colony Size: Up to 10,000 workers
Development Speed: Medium

Size:

• Queen: 11–12 mm
• Workers: 4–8 mm

Diet:

• Insects (e.g., crickets, roaches)—dead or live (especially for larger colonies)
• Syrup (4 parts water to 1 part honey or sugar)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Insect jelly or protein jelly
• Cooked, unsalted chicken or shrimp
• Pure honey (in moderation)

Tip: Check out our ant food products to provide a balanced, species-appropriate diet!

Environmental Conditions

• Humidity:
Arena: 40–60%
Nest: 50–70%

• Temperature:
Arena: 23–30 °C
Nest: 22–26 °C

Unique Traits of Myrmecocystus flaviceps

One of the most fascinating features of Myrmecocystus flaviceps is the presence of repletes—specialized workers that store nectar-like fluids in their swollen abdomens. These living storage tanks, often called “honey pots,” hang from the ceiling of the nest, storing food reserves for the colony during times of scarcity.

This adaptation not only supports colony survival in arid habitats but also makes M. flaviceps a visually striking and biologically intriguing species.

Nesting Recommendations

To support a thriving colony, it’s important to select suitable nesting materials. Myrmecocystus flaviceps colonies do well in nests made from:
• Acrylic
• Plaster
• Cork
• Aerated concrete (YTONG)

These materials maintain stable humidity levels and allow for proper nest expansion as the colony grows.

Summary

Myrmecocystus flaviceps is a captivating desert ant species known for its honey pot workers and monogynous colony structure. Their ability to store food internally sets them apart from most ants and offers a glimpse into a remarkable survival strategy. Ideal for ant keepers seeking a species that’s both beautiful and biologically unique.