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 pergandei 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 pergandei to are listed below.
STATES AVAILABLE FOR SALE: Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Veromessor pergandei for sale, Veromessor pergandei for sale
Species Difficulty: Easy, an active and aggressive species.
Max Colony Size, Growth Speed, and Structure: Veromessor pergandei colonies reportedly grow large. Colony size estimates are impossible to make in the wild for this species, but one foraging column has been estimated at over 15,000 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 are a shiny black coloration across their entire bodies. Despite the lack of a major caste, V. pergandei workers display an incredible level of polymorphism, ranging in size from 3.5 to 8.4 millimeters in length.2 Queens are less variable, ranging from ~10-13mm 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 pergandei’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. pergandei is found in extremely hot desert habitats of the southwestern US, and is thought to be one of the most heat-adapted ant species in the region.3 In captivity, they require substrate in their nests due to their inability to climb plastic. Despite this, a barrier of talc or fluon is recommended just in case.
Development Time: Approximately 4-6 weeks egg to worker with proper heating.
Other notes: When provided with enough space to do so, Veromessor pergandei exhibits impressive trunk foraging behavior. Colonies will form foraging “highways” up to 40 inches wide and 50 yards long.3 Upon reaching the end of a trunk trail, workers disperse in a treelike fashion down smaller trails to collect seeds.
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