Solenopsis pictaSpecies Introduction
Claustral, single queen. Founding chamber must be very dry.
Native to the Eastern US. Unlike most Solenopsis, picta are arboreal, nesting mostly within hollow twigs and stems. These ants form relatively small colonies for Solenopsis usually having no more than a few thousand workers. Solenopsis picta are monogynous having one only queen per colony, queens of this species will get quite physogastric even with the small colony sizes. We do not know if picta are true 'thief ants' as we have not been able to confirm whether they raid other ants for brood or not.
These ants thrive in extremely dry nest conditions, typically being happy living inside of an empty test tube with no water reservoir. These ants, like most other Solenopsis are quite fast growing. Solenopsis picta are generalists in captivity and will accept just about any feeder insects you give them. Keep the nest dry, and the ants well fed, and they will grow accordingly!
Formicarium
Twig-style or thin horizontal nests work well and replicates conditions in their wild nests. The TJL Arboreal Nest (small spacer) is a good choice for Solenopsis picta. Keep a water feeder in the outworld at all times. A secure nest and a fluon barrier for the outworld is recommended for these tiny, stinging, escape-artists.
Water & Humidity
Dry and warm. There should be no source of moisture inside the nest. Solenopsis picta nest in small twigs in the canopy that are relatively devoid of moisture and get extremely hot in the mid-day sun.
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.
Can optionally setup a liquid feeder with sugar-water or Ant Nectar Mix.
Protein
These ants need protein 2-3 times a week. Fruit flies work quite well for these tiny ants.
TrapJaw Labs feeds our S. picta colonies with pre-killed Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies. These ants will accept most feeder insects.
Twice per week
Maintenance
Week 1: Dry, dark, undisturbed.
Weeks 4–6: First tiny workers appear. Start protein twice weekly; offer small sugar-water or honey-water drops occasionally.
Months 2+: Workers actively foraging in search of food. Colony will start ramping up worker production.
Diapause is not required for this species.
Care Summary
- Dry nest
- Small sugar-water or honey-water drops
- Protein 2–3×/week
- Heat gradient 75–92°F