Myrmecocystus mendax

599,90 zł

Number of workers

SKU: AOTA191 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 mendax, Queen of ants, Сephalotes minutus

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Description

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%.

Additional information

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

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

Colony Type: Polygyny

Colony Size: Up to 10 000 workers

Development Speed: medium

Size and Color:

Queen: 10-12 mm
Workers: 4-8 mm

Color: Their bodies and heads are reddish in color, while their backs are black.

Nutrition:

Food insects (such as cockroaches and crickets) dead, or live if colony is big
Syrup (a mixture of water and honey or sugar, with a ratio of 4/3 water:1)
Fruits and vegetables
Jelly
Cooked chicken without salt, shrimps
Honey

Don’t forget to check out our food products to ensure a well-balanced diet for your colony!

Humidity and Temperature:

Humidity: Arena: 40-60%, Nest: 50-70%
Temperature: Arena: 23-30 °C, Nest: 22-26 °C

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.