Myrmecocystus kennedyi

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 kennedyi 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 kennedyi to are listed below.

STATES AVAILABLE FOR SALE: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah.

Myrmecocystus kennedyi for sale, Myrmecocystus kennedyi for sale

Species Difficulty: Intermediate, Myrmecocystus 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 kennedyi is most closely related to multiple undescribed Myrmecocystus species and Myrmecocystus romainei.¹ Unfortunately, growth speed is somewhat lacking for this species, but it is expected to be quick, similar to other Myrmecocystus species. Information on M. kennedyi colony sizes is also lacking, but it is expected to fall between 3,000 and 7,000 workers. Colonies are strictly monogynous, with only one queen.

Worker/Queen Information: M. kennedyi workers are bicolored, with orangey-red heads/mesosomas and black gasters. Queens, on the other hand, have greyish gasters and mesosomas, with orange heads and legs. Workers are approximately 5 to 7 millimeters long, and queens range from 11 to 14mm.¹ 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.

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 kennedyi is often associated with clearings in a variety of arid brushland, and steppe environments. Typically, colonies nest in spots of bare soil.¹ 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.