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Myrmecocystus mexicanus

Name: Myrmecocystus mexicanus
SKU: 10654
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SKU: N/A Categories: Ants, Ants for the Discerning, Ants from North America

Myrmecocystus mexicanus – iconic "honeypot ants" whose replets store nectar like living pearls. Desert species: nocturnal activity, preference for sugars and dry, well-ventilated conditions. Impressive, but requiring a well-designed nest with high chambers for living barrels.

Species: Myrmecocystus mexicanus
Difficulty: medium–high (sensitive replets, requires stable conditions)
Soldiers: none (worker size polymorphism)
Size: queen approx. 13–15 mm, workers 5–10 mm; drones with greatly enlarged abdomen
Colouring: honey-red head and torso, darker abdomen
Distribution: south-western United States, northern Mexico (semi-arid biomes)
Nutrition: permanent sugars (honey/gels), insect protein 1–2 times per week.
Hibernation: no classic hibernation; possible slowing down in winter
Temperature: 24–28°C (at night 20–22°C)
Humidity: nest 30–50% with localised watering zone; arena dry, airy
Lifestyle: nocturnal, feeding above and below ground
Recommended formicarium: acrylic/3D printing/plaster with high chambers and spot humidification; separate zone for a "rubbish bin"
Tip: minimal vibration and quiet operation – replets are delicate.

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Shipping insects in winter!
For the welfare of the animals, during the winter period, the shipment of insects may be delayed until the day when we deem it safe.
If the delivery date is crucial, please contact us in advance to determine whether shipment is possible on the given date.

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When you buy from us, you don’t have to worry about whether the ants will reach you alive. We pack our parcels very securely, and in winter you receive a free heater to maintain the temperature of the shipment. Even if the situation turns out to be unfavourable, you will receive a new queen from us at no additional cost!

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Shipping cost
Whether you purchase 10 kilograms of seeds or a single queen from us, the shipping cost is £3.50 for a parcel locker or £4.50 for a courier!

Description

Description

Myrmecocystus mexicanus – honeypot ants that will turn your colony into a living treasure trove

Myrmecocystus mexicanus are the famous “honeypot ants” – ants whose workers transform into repletes: living “reservoirs” of nectar, glistening like amber pearls. A desert species, active mainly at night, requiring a dry, airy arena and a well-designed nest with high chambers. The wow effect is guaranteed – especially when the first replets hang from the ceiling.

Detailed description of Myrmecocystus mexicanus

In nature, M. mexicanus lives in semi-arid regions of the south-western United States and northern Mexico. Colonies store energy in the form of sugars in the bodies of special workers (repletes), which hang from the ceiling of the chambers. In breeding, this translates into specific requirements: the nest must have high chambers (min. 2–3 cm) and a rough ceiling or mesh so that the replets can hang safely. The arena remains dry and well ventilated, and daily maintenance consists of feeding pure sugars and cleaning up small portions of protein.

This species develops at a calm, steady pace. During the colder months, it may undergo a natural slowdown without classic hibernation. The greatest joy is observing how ordinary “sugars” fed in the arena return to the nest and transform into shiny replets.

Advantages of breeding Myrmecocystus mexicanus

Unique appearance of colonies – replets as living “reservoirs” of sugar, an effect that cannot be replicated by other species.
Night life – ideal for evening observations, they behave naturally under red light.
Clear logistics – clear division: reconnaissance in the arena, storage in the nest, “rubbish bin” with waste in a separate area.
Educational breeding – a real lesson in adapting to drought and saving energy.

Feeding and service

Carbohydrates: honey (diluted), commercial carbohydrate gels, syrups – preferably in low bowls or jelly pot inserts so as not to flood the arena.
Protein: small cockroaches/flies/larvae – symbolic amounts; excess protein unnecessarily dirties and attracts mites.
Water: constant access in a drinking bowl with cotton wool/mesh.
Cleanliness: regularly empty the litter box and keep feeding areas away from the barrier.

Would you like to see living honey pearls in your formicarium and learn about one of the most remarkable survival strategies in the world of ants? Choose Myrmecocystus mexicanus. Add a nest with high chambers and a mesh ceiling to your basket, set up a dry arena and feed them their first sugars. Nature will do the rest, gradually transforming your colony into a stunning desert treasure trove.