Xenomyrmex floridanus Species Introduction
Claustral, single queen. Founding chamber must be very dry.
Native to Florida and the Carribean, Xenomyrmex floridanus are believed to have island-hopped their way to Florida, making landfall in the Florida Keys. In the wild these ants can be typically found nesting within dried sticks, becoming increasingly more common the further South you go in Florida. Red mangroves seem to be a favorite for Xenomyrmex floridanus. Colonies remain small, likely unable to surpass a few thousand workers.
These ants thrive in extremely dry nest conditions, typically being happy living inside of an empty test tube with no water reservoir. These ants are most similar in care to Solenopsis picta, but are larger and less prone to escaping. Xenomyrmex floridanus 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 Xenomyrmex floridanus. 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, 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 require carbohydrates, they will not grow without it. Workers and even the queen will consume large amounts of liquid carbohydrates and fill up their gasters.
Small honey-water or sugar-water drops in the outworld occasionally.
We recommend setting up 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 X. floridanus 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