Messor capitatus – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

The Ant Farming Charter on our Messor capitatus ants:

1. Breeding approved by Veterinary Services, carried out by a specialist under certificate of capacity,
2. Guide to the Perfect Ant Farmer offered and health sheet provided,
3. Ants guaranteed without parasites,
4. Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood upon shipment,
5. No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell the colonies more quickly),
6. Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial reimbursement in the event of loss of workers, total in case of loss of the queen (if delivered within 48 hours),
7. Shipping possible from -12°C to +40°C thanks to our optional insulated packaging,
8. Species present in France, non-invasive and not threatened,
9. Colony taken back and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions).
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Particularly easy to feed and raise, these ants are satisfied with little care and will impress you with their size: up to 14mm for the queen and the largest workers who arrive are born gradually when the colony grows (presence of several sizes, 4 to 14mm).

On average, the queen is larger than that of Messor barbarus, the number of majors (large workers) is greater, as well as their size. This species is therefore particularly impressive, and its glossy black color is typical. We particularly appreciate Messor capitatus compared to other Messor.

Developing easily at 27°C most of the time, it is advisable to leave Messor capitatus in a cool place with humidity and food for a month and a half in winter in order to ensure the resumption of development in the spring. For a similar species, with faster development and without wintering, we recommend Messor minor.

Feeding mainly on seeds that the workers store in the dry rooms, the Messor barbarus (and other Messor) are able to live on their reserves for months without worry. This greatly simplifies breeding. Observations remain numerous and you will be able to follow the production of a paste from the seeds in order to feed on them 3 days later.

We carefully raise the Messor capitatus in our “lab” from a single queen, collected during swarming and with respect for biodiversity. After several months, we allow you to buy these ants right here once the colony is well underway and in excellent health thanks to our optimal breeding conditions. We particularly recommend them to beginners for their simplicity of breeding, but the most passionate often return to this species because of its varied and interesting behavior. Among the 200 present in France, Messor are among the species most adapted to breeding.

Breeding Advice and Information:

– Recommended rearing temperature: From 24 to 28°C during the day and from 19 to 25 at night for good development –
​​Recommended heating system: Heating mat, ceramic bulb or other equivalent system
– Wintering (winter rest): 45 days recommended every winter at more than 10°C and less than 18°C ​​(if possible).
Messor minor does not need to overwinter, discover it HERE! – Humidity: Relatively low but constant and high over a small area.
All our Anthills are designed for this species! – Drinker: Recommended in the feeding area (special drinker, drops of water or damp cotton)
– Light: Never in the sun.
Avoid excessive light and illuminating bulbs – Size of the queen: approximately 12-14mm
– Size of the workers: From 3 to 13mm
– Colour: Black, the large workers have a reddish head
– Castes: Presence of small workers (minors) , large with developed, colorful heads and powerful mandibles (majors) as well as a whole range of intermediate sizes (medias)
– Estimated speed of development: A few hundred workers in the first year, up to 2000 a year following (depending on conditions).
– Type of habitat for breeding: Any type of Artificial Anthill with mineral layer and fairly high chamber, like all Anthills.