Veromessor andreiSpecies Introduction

Species Introduction Semi-claustral — provide a few seeds during founding. Veromesor andrei occurs in most open habitats from seaside to mountain valleys throughout the California coastal range from southern Oregon to northern Baja California. These seed harvesting ants are industrious and durable. Enjoyable for beginners and experienced keepers alike, these harvester ants cannot sting and form large colonies that will actively trail out in search of seeds. colonies will form large underground granaries (seed storage chambers). Formicarium Substratum nest highly recommended, originally created as a nest for harvester ants. Alternative formicaria can struggle to maintain humidity at the high temperatures these ants require. A secure nest and a fluon barrier for the outworld is recommended due to large colony sizes, and foraging behaviors. Very warm. Ideally the nest will have a gradient of 75–95°F. A heated foraging area will cause the ants to be more active (they're strictly diurnal in the wild) but that's not strictly required for them. 3/8" or 1/2" Water & Humidity Harvester ants require humid sections of the nest for their sensitive brood stages and to soften their seeds for processing. A moisture gradient is recommended. They will store seeds in warm, dry chambers called granaries. Recommended to use TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges for founding due to improved humidity. Water-only liquid feeder in outworld is useful. Carbohydrates V. andrei will benefit from sliced, organic fruits with sugar, but they primarily consume insect protein and seeds. You are welcome to supplement the rest of their diet with honey or sugar water, but it's not necessary. Optional — they won't use it heavily. Protein V. andrei benefit from insect protein. We suggest supplying pre-killed feeder insects 1-2 times a week. TrapJaw Labs feeds our V. andrei colonies with pre-killed Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies, cockroach nymphs, and sliced mealworms. They will also accept sliced crickets. One to two times per week. Increase amounts to scale with brood development. Seeds V. andrei occasionally store collected seeds in humid areas, which can lead to germinating in the nest. If this is something you want to avoid, use the TJL Premium Seed Mix. 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 1-3: Very humid, warm, dark, undisturbed. Provide a small scoop of seeds in the founding tube or formicarium. Weeks 4–6: First workers appear. Provide insect protein and first seeds. Months 2+: Colony is beginning to grow. Maintain humidity and heat constantly, their growth pattern does not tolerate fluctuating conditions. Diapause is not usually required for this species, but their activity may slow in the winter. Care Summary High humidity gradient + very high heat — Substratum nest strongly recommended Protein 1–2x/week Variety of seeds (use TrapJaw seed mix to avoid germination) Hot gradient: 75–95°F across the setup One to Two Times Per Week: Pre-killed protein, clear leftovers in 24h Once per week: Add varied seed mix Once per week: Top up nest water reservoir