Messor angularis – Colony with Queen and workers

Description

The Ant Farming Charter on our Messor angularis ants:
1. Establishment approved by the Veterinary Services and the prefecture, in possession of the certificate of capacity for the sale of ants (decision No. 2016195-0002 of the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations)
2 Guide to the Perfect Ant Farmer offered and health sheet provided,
3. Ants guaranteed to be free of mites or parasites,
4. Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood on shipment,
5. No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell the colonies faster),
6. Delivery guaranteed in good health: partial refund in case 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, non-invasive and not threatened,

Messor angularis is a species of Kenyan harvester ant that is aesthetic, affordable and easy to raise without overwintering !

Russian customer video:

Description of the species Messor angularis:

Particularly easy to feed and raise, Messor angularis are content with little care and are a good size for viewing with around 12mm for the queen, small minor workers of 4mm and larger workers which are born gradually when the colony grows.

The simultaneous presence of several sizes, from approximately 4 to 9mm, makes Messor angularis unique. The largest workers have a massive, red head whose powerful muscles allow them to transport and crush the hardest seeds and are called major workers.

The queen is black in body with a very red head, like the most exceptional barbarus in coloring, but in a systematic way!

Optimal growth is obtained around 27°C during the day; no overwintering period is necessary, the temperature not falling below 20 to 25°C in winter in Kenya.

Feeding mainly on seeds that the workers store in the dry rooms, the Messor angularis (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.

Messor angularis is a species very suitable for breeding and observation for beginners as well as for great enthusiasts who will obtain impressive colonies after a few years while ensuring a minimum of management.

The delivery of healthy ants is guaranteed by carrier within 48 hours and during the 3 days following delivery. We have developed special packaging for the safe (and environmentally friendly) transport of ants to your home.

Breeding sheet on Messor angularis:

– Recommended rearing temperature: 27-28°C during the day and 20 to 25 at night for good development
– ​​Wintering (winter rest): None
– Humidity: Relatively low overall but constant and high in 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) but optional if the humidity of the nest is correct.
– Brightness: Never sunny.
Avoid strong light and illuminating bulbs. A suitable heater for Messor angularis is a ceramic bulb or a heating mat. – Size of the queen: approximately 12mm
– Size of the workers: From 4 to 9mm
– Colour: Black, the large workers and the queen have a reddish head.
– Castes: Presence of small workers (minors), large ones with developed, colorful heads and powerful mandibles (majors) as well as a whole range of intermediate sizes (medias) – Estimated speed of development: A few dozen workers
per first year, up to a few hundred the following year (depending on conditions).
– Type of habitat for breeding: Any type of Artificial Anthill with mineral layer and fairly high chamber, like all Anthills.

Did you know that, to sum up:

– The lifespan of the queen and therefore of the colony reaches 15 years
– It is enough to feed her ants once a month because they store the seeds on which they feed
– The queen lays eggs which become larvae, then nymphs and finally adults in just 30 days
– Messor ants are able to hunt and eat insects much larger than themselves
– Ants are fascinating creatures to observe that more and more individuals and schools are discovering!

Behavior of Messor angularis:

Larger and larger worker ants appear as the colony grows and help grind hard seeds.
The development accelerates strongly from the second year and allows to quickly have very active and important colonies. The queen ant regularly lays clusters of eggs that will evolve into small larvae. After several moults, they will become nymphs (almost adult, white ants) which will end up transforming into adults. The complete cycle takes about a month, longer if the temperature is low. The whole colony feeds on seeds. The workers will shell and chew the seeds for about 3 days to make an edible paste often called “ant bread”.

The ants will live in the wet part of the anthill while the seeds will be stored in the dry area to prevent them from germinating.

Photo: Copyright Antsatan.pl