Novomessor albisetosusSpecies Introduction

Species Introduction Claustral: a single, newly-mated queen seals herself in a chamber and raises her first workers entirely on stored nutrients and metabolized wing muscles. Will still accept food during this period. Found across the southwestern United States where they inhabit the most arid of habitats. Novomessor albisetosus create large colonies where the nest tumuli reaches about 50cm in diameter. These ants are omnivorous. Prey usually consists of dead or dying insects, parts of plants and seeds. Novomessor albisetosus are large ferocious ants. They will eat just about anything you give them, and will grow quite fast for their larger size. Give them the right conditions to succeed and they will rapidly grow into a powerhouse of a colony. Formicarium Substratum nest highly recommended, originally created as a nest for harvester ants. Which these ants are closely related to. Alternative formicaria can struggle to maintain humidity at the high temperatures these ants require. Very warm. Ideally the nest will have a gradient of 75–90°F. 1/2" for these larger ants. Water & Humidity A humidity gradient is recommended for novomessor albisetosus if providing seeds. Most of the nest should be humid for the sensitive brood stages, allow a drier portion for seeds. Recommended to use TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges for founding due to improved humidity. Water-only liquid feeder in outworld useful. Protein Protein is a major component of Novomessor albisetosus's diet. We suggest supplying pre-killed feeder insects 2–3 times a week, the more the better. As these ants lack the social stomachs most ants posses, they will readily dismantle any prey item and bring it back to the nest for the larvae and fellow colony members. TrapJaw Labs feeds our N. albisetosus colonies with pre-killed Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies, cockroach nymphs, and sliced mealworms. They will also accept sliced crickets. These ants will accept most feeder insects. Two to three times per week or more. Increase amounts to scale with brood development. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are recommended for Novomessor albisetosus. Sugar feeder in the outworld 24/7. Occasional small honey drop in the outworld is fine. We recommend providing sugar-water (we use our Ant Nectar Mix) and fresh-water liquid feeders in the outworld at all times. Seeds Colonies of Novomessor albisetosus will sometimes harvest seeds but it is a relatively minor part of their diet. This species prefers a wide variety of native grass seeds. The TJL Seed Mix is a good place to start if unsure of what kind to offer. Seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place or in a freezer. Once per week Maintenance Weeks 1-4: Very humid, warm, dark, undisturbed. Weeks 4–6: First workers appear. Aggressive protein schedule + sugar water. Months 2+: Colony is beginning to grow. Maintain humidity and heat constantly, their growth pattern does not tolerate fluctuating conditions. Diapause is not required for this species. Care Summary High humidity gradient + very high heat — Substratum nest strongly recommended Protein 2–3x/week (their primary diet) Sugar via feeder in outworld Variety of seeds (use TrapJaw seed mix to avoid germination) Hot gradient 75–90°F Three times a week: Pre-killed protein, clear leftovers in 24h Once per week: Add varied seed mix Once per week: Make sure feeder is full Once per week: Top up nest water reservoir