Messor bouvieri – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

The Fourmiculture Charter for our Messor bouvieri ants:

1. Approved breeding program of the Veterinary Services, managed by a certified specialist,
2. Free "Perfect Ant Keeper's Guide" and health record provided,
3. Ants guaranteed parasite-free,
4. Health demonstrated by queen egg-laying and the presence of brood upon shipment,
5. No "boosting" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
6. Guaranteed healthy delivery: partial refund in case of worker loss, full refund in case of queen loss (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,

sell (see conditions).

Fourmiculture 's take on Messor bouvieri:

As easy to breed as Messor barbarus, this species is of intermediate size for a Messor, entirely black, and is found in France. However, we discovered this species in Croatia where it was not previously recorded but appears to be abundant, and identification leaves little room for doubt with its entirely black majors.

It will be ideal for both beginners and experienced breeders looking for something a little different without the constraints of special care. Development is rapid. Overwintering at around 12 to 15°C for 2 to 3 months is recommended.

The size is quite similar to Messor wasmanni, that is to say with small workers of about 4mm, and the presence of major workers with powerful heads of more or less 1cm long, appearing as the colony evolves to ensure the transport of seeds and defense.

Difficulty of breeding:

Very easy to care for, it feeds on stored seeds. Maintain medium humidity, keep a dry area for the seeds.

Breeding conditions for Messor bouvieri:

– Food: Fine Messor Mix (and other small seeds)
– Lifespan: Up to 15 years for the queen and 3 years for workers
– Optimal temperature: Around 27°C at the basking spot during the day and 20-24°C at night.
– Hibernation: 2 to 3 months at around 12-15°C.
– Humidity: Low to medium; maintain a dry area for the seeds and a humid area for the brood.
– Waterer: Useful in the feeding area if the nest is not very humid; otherwise unnecessary (special waterer or water droplets applied with a syringe).
– Light: Fairly tolerant; tolerates ambient light but should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
– Estimated development rate: Rapid, probably faster than Messor barbarus.
– Worker size: 3 to 10 mm
– Queen size: approximately 13 mm
– Danger level: None, does not sting, is not aggressive, and is not invasive. However, it remains essential never to release a colony into the wild.
– Habitat type: Any artificial ant farm available on our website equipped with chambers and a mineral layer

Photo: Estella Ortega