Myrmecocystus mexicanus Species Introduction

Species Introduction Claustral and occasionally pleometrotic. Queens usually found colonies on their own but may occasionally found together. However, once workers arrive, the queens will fight (or workers will eliminate them) until only one queen is left. No food is needed during founding. Among the most widespread honeypot ants in North America. Colonies create conspicuous mounds in the desert using small pebbles. In the wild, these ants actively forage from dusk to dawn, collecting insects and nectar as among the most effective nocturnal foragers. Forgiving species as long as carbohydrates and insect protein are sufficiently provided. Formicarium Formicarium selection should include vertical or overhanging walls for replete workers to hang from. Compatible with many gypsum-based nests as well as TrapJaw Labs' Substratum (XL spacer). It is highly recommended to move these ants into a proper founding formicarium right away to provide workers with the ability to hang as repletes. Prolonged time in the claustral tube may cause the queen to become the replete, which may limit egg production. Substrate is recommended to aid cocoon formation in Myrmecocystus. Slightly warm. We suggest a gradient of 70–88°F across the setup. 1/2" works well for this species. LED lights can be used to illuminate the nest and provide supplemental heat. Water & Humidity Fairly humid. Myrmecocystus mexicanus constructs deep nests in desert and scrubland ecosystems. Sensitive brood will be kept in the humid sections of the nest, while pupae are brough to the warm, dry areas. Recommended to use TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges during founding for improved success rates. Keep a liquid feeder with water (distilled, purified, or spring) in the foraging area at all times. Carbohydrates These ants really enjoy white sugar dusted on sliced, organic apples, as well as regular sugar-water. They can frequently be observed feeding from damaged cactus fruits in the wild, as well as tending hemipteran insects such as mealybugs and treehoppers. Do not feed honey to Myrmecocystus spp., as the yeasts and microbes within honey is thought to have negative impacts on the repletes. We recommend providing sugar-water (we use our Ant Nectar Mix) and fresh-water liquid feeders in the outworld at all times. Protein Protein is required for healthy brood development; underfed larvae will appear dull and will cease to progress in their development. It is not uncommon to see large batches of eggs after a major protein feeding. TrapJaw Labs feeds our Myrmecocystus mexicanus colonies with pre-killed D. melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies. Once the colony is larger, they will take most feeder insects. Termites are especially favored and are our not-so-secret method to prompt major colony growth. Once or twice per week. Increase amounts to scale with brood development. Maintenance Week 1: Dark, warm, gently humid, and undisturbed. Do not feed. Weeks 6–8: First workers appear. Start protein 1×/week and offer a droplet or two of sugar water. Months 2+: Growing colony. You'll be astonished at how quickly they consume sugar-water and fruit flies. Diapause may be required for this species. Be careful not to expose them to freezing temperatures -- removing supplemental heat is usually enough for a 2 month break. Care Summary Protein 1×/week Sugar-water via small drops Sugar-water liquid feeder Fairly humid Gradient 70–85°F Once per week: Offer pre-killed protein, clear leftovers within 24h Every other week: Place a small sugar-water drop in a dish or a piece of sugared apple Once per week: Top up nest hydration Daily: Check liquid feeders are full