Description

This is a claustral, monogynous (single-queen) ant species. They nest in the ground in their natural habitat, and they prefer warm, sunny, open environments. Both the queen and workers are light brown in color. Like the American Pogonomyrmex species, this species is also a seed harvester. They store different seeds in their tunnels to feed on them later. They tolerate dryness well and keep their environment clean, that makes them an ideal species for ant farms! They can be kept in relatively dry conditions, with a few watering spots, that helps preventing mold and mites from appearing. They typically collect their waste in the warmest and driest corner of the enclosure, that makes it easy to remove. They neutralize their prey primarily with their strong mandibles. They are not aggressive but highly territorial, and mature colonies quickly neutralize any insect that enters their territory. Keep them in stable lighting conditions and protect them from vibrations, because they are sensitive to them. This is an active species that is always doing something in the formicarium, that makes them very exciting to observe. Workers mainly forage at ground level. The queen’s expected lifespan can reach up to 15-20 years. They establish large colonies with several thousand workers. These ants can not climb smooth surfaces (such as glass or plexiglass)!

Feeding: Seeds (seed mix + oily seeds like walnuts or peanuts) and insects.

Reproduction: They reproduce quickly in warm conditions. In the first year, they raise 40-70 workers, and by the second year, the colony may reach a few hundred workers. In mature colonies, there can be several thousand workers. The brood develops without cocoons, so the pupae are white and ant-shaped.

Hibernation: As a tropical species, they do not require hibernation.