Myrmecocystus mend

Description

Species description of Myrmecocystus mendax

Myrmecocystus mendax is a species of honey ant native to the dry and warm regions of North America. In the wild, it is found in the United States and Mexico, amongst other places, where it inhabits steppe and semi-desert habitats, as well as dry areas with soil that heats up easily.

The most distinctive feature of this species is the repletes. These are special worker bees that store liquid food in their abdomens. Over time, their abdomens become noticeably enlarged and may take on an amber or honey-coloured hue. Such workers usually remain in the nest, suspended from the ceiling of the chambers, and feed the other ants when necessary.

It is precisely these re-entries that make Myrmecocystus mendax one of the most spectacular species to observe. However, this is not an ant we would recommend as the very first choice for someone with no experience whatsoever. The species is very interesting, but it requires stable conditions, careful watering and a well-chosen nest.

The difficulty of keeping Myrmecocystus mendax

Breeding Myrmecocystus mendax is moderately difficult. The biggest challenge is not the feeding itself, but maintaining the right balance between heat, humidity and dry space for the nymphs.

These ants prefer warmer temperatures, but their nest should not be heated throughout. It is best to provide them with a temperature gradient – a warmer section and a cooler section – so that they can choose the best spot for the queen, the brood and the workers themselves.

It is worth bearing in mind that replets need boxes in which they can hang safely. For this reason, vertical or semi-vertical boxes, or those with suitably shaped interior surfaces, work best for this species.

A guide to keeping Myrmecocystus mendax

Myrmecocystus mendax is best kept in a nest with good ventilation, moderate humidity in the nesting area and a drier arena. The entire nest should not be flooded. It is sufficient to provide access to a more humid area, particularly when there are larvae in the colony.

The temperature in the nest should be around 24–28°C. The arena may be slightly warmer, particularly during the day. A good solution is to heat only part of the formicarium, e.g. one side or a section of the nest.

A constant supply of water is essential. For small colonies, a test tube filled with water or a small water dish designed to prevent the ants from drowning works best.

Feeding Myrmecocystus mendax

Myrmecocystus mendax primarily requires a source of sugars. You can feed them ant nectar, water with honey or water with sugar. For this species, regular access to sweet food is very important, as it is from this that the repletes build up their stores.

The second component of the diet is feed insects. Midges, small crickets, mealworms, cockroaches or other insects suited to the size of the colony will work well. Protein is particularly important during the larval development stage.

It is best to serve food in small portions and remove any leftovers regularly. In warmer conditions, food spoils more quickly, and with xerophilous species, excess moisture and dirt in the nest can quickly become a problem.

The first few days after buying a Myrmecocystus mendax

Once you’ve received the colony, it’s best to leave the ants in peace for a few days. It’s not worth moving them straight into a large formicarium. A small colony thrives best in a test tube or a small nest with a small arena.

To start with, all you need to provide them with is water, a little sugar feed and a small feeding insect. Only once the colony has begun to grow steadily and the workers are regularly venturing out into the arena should you consider moving them to a larger nest prepared for rearing.

Why choose Myrmecocystus mendax?

• It creates repletes, which are living food stores.
• It is a very striking species to observe.
• It has an interesting amber-brown colour.
• It clearly illustrates the behaviour typical of honey ants.
• It doesn’t require a complicated diet.
• It looks great in vertical and naturally arranged formicaria.
• This is a good choice for a grower who already has some experience and wants to try something a bit more unusual.

Myrmecocystus mendax is a species for those who want to see something truly unique in their ant-keeping set-up. If you’re looking for ants that not only walk around the arena but also form distinctive repletes and display a completely different way of storing food, this species will be a very interesting choice.