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 Veromessor andrei 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 Veromessor andrei to are listed below.
STATES AVAILABLE FOR SALE: California and Oregon.
Species Difficulty: Easy, an active and aggressive species.
Max Colony Size, Growth Speed, and Structure: Veromessor andrei colonies reportedly grow large. Colony size estimates are impossible to make in the wild for this species, but foraging columns have been reported to contain thousands of workers.1 Growth speed information is lacking, but is exponential. Colonies may reach 100 workers around 3-5 months, and begin to grow more quickly from there. This species is monogynous, with only one queen per colony.
Worker/Queen Information: Both workers and queens of this species have black gasters and thoraxes/heads that range from matte red to black. Despite the lack of a major caste, V. andrei workers display an incredible level of polymorphism, ranging in size from 4.5 to 7 millimeters in length.2 Queens are less variable, ranging from ~8-10mm long. This species is polymorphic, but does not have a major caste.
Hibernation/Diapause: This species does not need to hibernate, and doing so is not recommended.
Feeding Requirements: Veromessor andrei’s main diet consists of seeds. However, insect proteins such as fruit flies, mealworms, or superworms can also be beneficial. Colonies should be fed at least once a week. Occasionally, colonies will accept solid sugars in the form of fruits.
Heating and Humidity: This species requires a heating cable or mat, and must be kept over 80f. Prefers 85f. Medium humidity.
Nesting Habits and Escape Prevention: In the wild, V. andrei is found in the deserts of the far western US. In captivity, they do well in a variety of nest types, but prefer those with substrate. A barrier of talc or fluon is recommended to prevent escapees.
Development Time: Approximately 4-6 weeks egg to worker with proper heating.
Other notes: When provided with enough space to do so, Veromessor andrei exhibits impressive trunk foraging behavior. Colonies will form foraging “highways” up to 40 yards long.1 Upon reaching the end of a trunk trail, workers disperse in a treelike fashion down smaller trails to collect seeds.
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