Solenopsis molestaSpecies Introduction

Species Introduction Claustral. Founding chamber must be very humid. They will found together in groups. Native to the continental US, extremely variable species with both polygynous and monogynous populations. Lives almost entirely underground, but unlike most thief ants they will sometimes forage above ground. Like other thief ants, they tunnel into other ant species' nests and steal their brood to eat. They cannot tolerate moderately dry conditions. Get the humidity right and they're rewarding, but let it slip and you'll lose the colony. In captivity, thief ants will forage in the provided outworld. Formicarium Substrate nests with very fine chambers, they're tiny. The Substratum Nest is highly recommended for these humidity loving, subterranean ants. A secure nest and a fluon barrier for the outworld is recommended for these tiny ants. Warm but not hot. We suggest providing a gradient of 75–85°F. Very small — 3/8" or even smaller. They're tiny enough that standard entrances may be too large. Water & Humidity High humidity that is consistently high. These are thief-ants in the wild, they live mostly subterranean lives. Recommended to use TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges for founding due to improved humidity. Keep a liquid feeder with water (distilled, purified, or spring) in the foraging area at all times. Carbohydrates These ants will take carbohydrates but it's a relatively minor component of their diet. Small honey-water or sugar-water drops in the outworld occasionally. We don't suggest using a liquid feeder for this species as they will pile soil on the liquid feeder until the liquid spills out, making a mess. Protein These ants need protein 2-3 times a week. Fruit flies work quite well for them. TrapJaw Labs feeds our S. molesta colonies with pre-killed Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies. These ants will accept most feeder insects. Twice per week Maintenance Week 1: Humid, dark, undisturbed. Weeks 4–6: First tiny workers appear. Start protein twice weekly; offer small sugar-water or honey-water drops occasionally. Months 2+: Subterranean lifestyle. You will see them begin to excavate the tunnels they use to raid other colonies in the wild. They're so small, even the queens cannot fit through them. Workers will forage but most colony activity is in the nest. Diapause is not required for this species. Care Summary Humid nest Small sugar-water or honey-water drops Fruit flies 2–3×/week Moderate gradient 75–85°F Once per week: small sugar-water or honey-water drops Twice per week: Offer pre-killed fruit flies, clear leftovers within 24h Once per week: Top up nest water reservoir