Messor bouvieri – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

The Fourmiculture Charter on our Messor bouvieri 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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A word from Fourmiculture about Messor bouvieri:

As easy to raise as Messor barbarus, this species is of an intermediate size for a Messor, entirely black, and is found in France. We however discovered this species in Croatia where it was not referenced but seems abundant, and the identification leaves little room for doubt with entirely black majors.

It will be ideal both for beginners and for experienced riders looking for a bit of originality without any particular breeding constraints. Development is rapid. Wintering 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 a powerful head more or less 1cm long, appearing over the evolution of the colony to provide seed transport and defence.

Breeding difficulty:

Very easy, feeds on seeds that it stores.
Humidity set to medium, keep a dry area for seeds.
Breeding conditions on Messor bouvieri:

– Food: Messor Mix Fin (and other small seeds)
– Lifespan: Up to 15 years for the queen and 3 years for the workers
– Optimal temperature: Around 27°C at the hot spot during the day and 20-24°C the night.
– Wintering: 2 to 3 months around 12 to 15°C.
– Humidity rate: Low to medium, keep a dry zone for the seeds and a humid zone for the brood.
– Drinker: Useful in the feeding area if the anthill is not very humid, otherwise superfluous (special drinker or drops of water deposited with a syringe).
– Luminosity: Quite tolerant, does not fear ambient light but should never be exposed to the sun
– Estimated speed of development: fast, probably superior to Messor barbarus.
– Size of the workers: from 3 to 10mm
– Size of the queen: about 13mm
– Dangerousness: None, does not sting, is not aggressive, is not invasive.
Despite everything, it remains essential never to release a colony into the wild. – Type of habitat: Any Artificial Anthill available on our site equipped with rooms with mineral layer

Photo: Estella Ortega