Brachymyrmex patagonicusSpecies Introduction
Claustral. One or more queens found together to form a colony. Their nuptial flights are extremely common on warm afternoons, where they can be found swarming porch lights, and or UV black-lights.
Native to Patagonia, invasive to the entire Southern US. This species is typically considered a house "pest" due to their common appearances in homes. These ants are extremely thermophilic, often found trailing on extremely hot surfaces. Brachymyrmex patagonicus is typically polygynous, but we believe it varies from population to population. These ants have a big appetite for liquid carbohydrates, workers are often found filling themselves up on nectar from aphids, and extrafloral nectaries. These ants are generalists, and seem to not be picky eaters at all.
Expect lots of foraging and trailing. They burn through energy fast, making them hungry for both protein and sugar. These are very small ants so provide them with a well-sealed enclosure to prevent escapes. Keep the the food stocked, and they will be a joy to watch.
Formicarium
Brachymyrmex patagonicus are generalist cavity nesters, they will do well in most nesting conditions. A secure nest and a fluon barrier for the outworld is recommended for these small ants.
Water & Humidity
Humid, these ants can tolerate dry conditions, but we believe they do best kept humid.
Recommended to use TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges for founding due to improved founding rates.
Keep a liquid feeder with water (distilled, purified, or spring) in the foraging area at all times.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate-loving. In the wild the workers spend their days trailing around the hot, plains and burn through a lot of energy.
Honeydew honey or basic sugar water both work; honeydew honey better matches their wild micronutrient profile.
We recommend providing sugar-water (we use our Ant Nectar Mix) and fresh-water liquid feeders in the outworld at all times.
Protein
We suggest feeding B. patagonicus colonies fruit flies 2–3 times a week. The more frequent, the better.
TrapJaw Labs feeds our B. patagonicus colonies with pre-killed D. melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies.
Twice per week. Increase amounts to scale with brood development.
Maintenance
Week 1: Settle the founding queen somewhere dark and undisturbed. Stress from disturbance can cause her to consume her own brood, so avoid checking on her during this process. If founding in a test tube with a TJL sponge, humidity and water will be maintained throughout this process.
Weeks 2–4: First workers appear. Start feeding protein (2–3×/week) and put out a 24/7 sugar feeder. You'll quickly see them take advantage of the food they're given and the colony will increase in size.
Months 2+: Maintain iquid feeders 24/7. Consider a larger humid nest upgrade and more outworld space; optional supplemental heating speeds growth (but don't overdo it).
Diapause is not required for this species.
Care Summary
- Very humid nest environment
- Liquid feeder kept full
- High sugar requirements
- A gradient of 75-95°F is ideal