Messor arenarius

Description

Messor arenarius – the desert grain storekeeper who keeps the arena tidy

Messor arenarius is a species for those who enjoy observing specific behaviours, rather than just “ants walking around the arena”. These are granivorous ants from the dry, desert-steppe regions of North Africa, so in captivity they thrive in fairly dry conditions, with humidity controlled locally within the nest. The best bit? Gathering grains, creating a larder and transporting supplies as if in a mini-warehouse. If you want a species that really makes use of the arena and demonstrates the value of substrate and decorations – this is a very good choice.

Detailed description of Messor arenarius

Messor arenarius naturally inhabits arid climates, where water and fresh food are not readily available. This species is therefore exceptionally well-adapted to storing food. In captivity, this is immediately apparent: the ants eagerly carry grains back to the nest, sort them, arrange them in specific places and create storehouses. As the colony grows, this becomes even more interesting, as a distinct ‘system’ of behaviour emerges.

This is also a species that generally thrives in stable, warm conditions. It is best to maintain a temperature of between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius and keep the enclosure fairly dry. A small, slightly damp area in the nest is sufficient to ensure the colony’s comfort during breeding. Excessive humidity and a wet enclosure are not beneficial here – this is not a tropical environment, but a dry climate in which this species is designed to thrive.

In terms of size, this is a classic Messor colony: the queen is noticeably larger, and as the colony develops, larger workers appear, including soldiers, who not only look impressive but also help to crush the harder grains.

Advantages of Messor arenarius

• distinctive, interesting behaviours of granivorous birds – gathering and storing seeds

• The arena is buzzing – lots of activity, traffic and tidying up

• prefers dry conditions in the arena – it is easier to keep it clean and control the humidity

• Soldiers appear, adding character and variety to the colonies

• a good choice for those who want to observe the colony in action

How to practise this genre

The ground and the arena

A dry enclosure filled with sand or fine grit works best. The ants will happily forage in it, and it will be easier for you to keep things tidy. It’s a good idea to add a small bowl for the seeds to minimise spillage and make it easier to manage.

Socket

A slightly damp area in the nest is sufficient, but don’t flood the whole thing. Messors often prefer dry pantries – if it gets too wet, the grains may go mouldy and the colony will start to carry them out or move them around in circles.

Feeding

Grains form the basis of the diet. Feed protein in the form of insect larvae mainly when you can see the larvae developing, as the colony will make better use of them then. Water should be available at all times – a water dispenser or a test tube will do the job.

If you want ants that really get to work in the arena, gather food and display typical granivorous behaviour, Messor arenarius is an excellent choice. It’s a species that looks good, is interesting to watch and offers the satisfaction of keeping a colony in a dry, ‘desert-style’ environment.