Buckeye Myrmecology has been granted permits by the USDA which allow us to ship these ants to many states in the Continental US. All shipments of Myrmecocystus mendax will include the relevant permit for your state and information on safe handling and disposal of these ants. States that we are allowed to ship Myrmecocystus mendax to are listed below.
STATES AVAILABLE FOR SALE: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
Species Difficulty: Intermediate, honeypot ants have a few unusual care requirements. These include substrate and sponges (instead of cotton) in test tube setups, and heating.
Max Colony Size, Growth Speed, and Structure: Myrmecocystus mendax colonies grow large, reaching at least 2,750 workers.1 Growth speed is somewhat lacking for this species, but it is expected to be quick, similar to other Myrmecocystus species. Colony structure varies by population. Some populations of M. mendax are strictly monogynous, while others exhibit polygyny and even colony merging.2
Worker/Queen Information: M. mimicus workers are bicolored, with red heads/mesosomas and black gasters. Queens have similar coloration with grey gasters. Workers are approximately 4 to 7 millimeters long, and queens range from 12 to 14mm. This species is dimorphic, with a replete caste. Replete workers hang from the walls/ceiling and act as food stores for the colony, causing their gaster to swell to more than 5 times as large as those of regular workers. Monogynous colonies typically contain 10-20% repletes.2
Hibernation/Diapause: This species does not need to hibernate, and doing so is not recommended. However, some colonies may appear to slow growth during the winter. If this occurs, keep them in room temperature for 2-3 months before raising them back up to 80-85F.
Feeding Requirements: They will eat a wide range of feeder insects, including superworms, mealworms, dubia roaches, and fruit flies. They require constant sugars, in the form of sugar water or honey. Feeding insect protein is recommended once every few days or at least once per week, and sugars should be available 24/7.
Heating and Humidity: This species requires a heating cable or mat, and must be kept over 80F. Prefers 85F. In captivity, they prefer high humidity nests, with eggs and larvae requiring a higher humidity level than pupae. Workers will prefer cooler conditions than brood, so the use of a heating gradient across the nest is recommended.
Nesting Habits and Escape Prevention: In the wild, Myrmecocystus mendax inhabits dry, mountainous areas.2 In captivity, they require nests with some sort of substrate to provide grip on walls or ceilings, and for spinning cocoons. For best results, use a nest made of AAC/ytong, or sanded grout/ultracal. wood. Fluon and talc/baby powder can be used as effective barriers.
Development Time: Brood takes approximately 6 weeks to grow from egg to worker with proper heating and food.
Other Notes: The common name of Myrmecocystus is the Honeypot Ant, which refers to their large replete workers.
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