Pseudomyrmex gracilis Species Introduction

Species Introduction Semi-claustral. The nest must be dry, and the queen must be fed while founding. Native to Texas, invasive in Florida and along the rest of the gulf coast. Wasp-like in form and movement. In the wild they nest in hollow grass stems and twigs, which are relatively devoid of moisture and superheated in midday sun. Pseudomyrmex gracilis can sting, but are curious by nature and won't sting unless forced to. Beautiful, fast ants. Very specific environmental needs: dry nest, extreme heat, and reliable water access in the foraging area. Get those right and they're spectacular. Formicarium Small twig-style or thin-channel formicaria work well — our Arboreal Ant Nest is ideal. These ants are exceptional climbers, an upside-down fluon barrier is highly recommended. Extremely warm. We suggest providing a gradient of 85–95°F. 3/8" or smaller — they're slim-bodied. Water & Humidity Dry and very warm. There should be no source of moisture inside the nest. Pseudomyrmex gracilis nest in hollow twigs that are relatively devoid of moisture and get extremely hot in the mid-day heat. These conditions need to be replicated in captivity for them to do well. Do not found or keep colonies in test tubes using TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges. The high humidity is not good for them; they want it dry. These ants do best with a liquid feeder stocked with water in the foraging area. In the wild, they get most of their water by consuming the morning dew, and are adapted for having regular access to water. Carbohydrates Ample access to carbohydrates (sugars) is extremely important for these ants. Liquid feeder in the foraging area that is stocked 24/7 with our Ant Nectar Mix. Protein These ants need protein 1–2 times a week. Fruit flies work quite well for them. TrapJaw Labs feeds our P. gracilis colonies with pre-killed Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies. Twice per week Maintenance Week 1: Dry, dark, very warm, and regular feeding. Weeks 3–6: first workers appear. Continue the dry-nest, warm-outworld, water-and-sugar-feeder routine. Months 2+: A focused, sleek colony. Maintain the heat, they struggle without it. Care Summary DRY nest with no moisture source inside the nest at all Liquid feeder with WATER in outworld (their drinking source) Separate sugar feeder with honeydew honey 24/7 Hot gradient 85–95°F Fruit flies 1–2×/week Every day: Check liquid feeder is full Mon/Thu: Offer pre-killed protein, clear leftovers within 24h Never: Never add a water source inside the nest — confirm it is completely dry