Plagiolepis pygmaea – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

The Fourmiculture Charter for our Plagiolepis pygmaea ants:

– Raised by a specialist under optimal conditions, guaranteed parasite-free,
– Health demonstrated by the queen laying and the presence of brood upon shipment,
– No "boost" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
– Guaranteed healthy delivery: partial refund in case of worker loss, full refund in case of queen loss,
– Supplied with a care sheet and a health record,
– Shipped year-round, from -12°C to +40°C thanks to our free insulated packaging,
– Species present in France, non-invasive and not endangered,
Colony buyback and costs covered if you wish to sell (see conditions)
–

Colony description:

It is fascinating to observe that Plagiolepis pygmaea can be parasitized by another similar species, but with a more yellow coloration. This latter species, Plagiolepis grassei, manages to gain acceptance within the colony to benefit from the protection of its host.

The most remarkable fact, often noticeable upon receiving your first colony, is that the tiny Plagiolepis pygmaea workers have the ability to distend their abdomens to store enormous quantities of liquid food. The abdomen becomes almost transparent once the plates of their exoskeleton are stretched by the swelling.

This species is also polygynous. Its ability to have multiple queens per colony allows it to develop more rapidly. It is a combative species that secretes a sticky substance to defend itself against other ants.

Small but fairly rapid-growing, you can observe the behavior of this species, particularly during feeding time. However, be careful when giving them liquids. To prevent them from drowning, you can place a little cotton in the sugary liquids.

In addition to powdered food diluted in milk, small freeze-dried insects can supplement the diet of Plagiolepis pygmaea. Remember to add a little cotton to the liquid food so the worker ants don't stick to it.

Worker size: 1-2 mm.
Queen size: 4 mm.
Recommended daytime temperature: 23°C minimum, ideally 27°C.
Nest humidity: Provide a humid area and a dry area. They are sensitive to dry conditions.
Hibernation: 45 days at approximately 15°C.