Messor capitatus – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

The Fourmiculture Charter for our Messor capitatus 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 "boost" (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).

Particularly easy to feed and raise, these ants require little care and will impress you with their size: up to 14mm for the queen and the largest workers that arrive are born gradually as the colony grows (presence of several sizes, from 4 to 14mm).

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

Growing easily at 27°C most of the time, it is advisable to keep Messor capitatus in a cool, humid environment with food for a month and a half during the winter to ensure renewed growth in the spring. For a similar species that grows faster and does not require overwintering, we recommend Messor minor.

Feeding primarily on seeds that the worker ants store in dry chambers, Messor barbarus (and other Messor species) can live off their reserves for months without any problems. This greatly simplifies their rearing. Observations are still frequent, and you can watch the ants prepare a paste from the seeds to eat three days later.

We carefully raise Messor capitatus ants in our "lab" from a single queen, collected during swarming, respecting biodiversity. After several months, once the colony is well established and in excellent health thanks to our optimal breeding conditions, we allow you to purchase these ants right here. We particularly recommend them to beginners for their ease of care, but more experienced beekeepers often return to this species because of its varied and interesting behavior. Among the 200 species found in France, Messor ants are among the most suitable for rearing.

Breeding advice and information:

– Recommended rearing temperature: 24 to 28°C during the day and 19 to 25°C at night for optimal development.
– Recommended heating system: Heating mat, ceramic heat emitter, or equivalent system.
– Hibernation (Winter rest): 45 days recommended each winter at a temperature above 10°C and below 18°C ​​(if possible). Messor minor does not need to hibernate; learn more about it HERE!
– Humidity: Relatively low but constant, and high in a small area. All our ant farms are designed for this species!
– Watering: Recommended in the feeding area (special waterer, water droplets, or damp cotton).
– Light: Never direct sunlight. Avoid excessively bright light and artificial light bulbs
– Queen size: approximately 12-14 mm
– Worker size: 3 to 13 mm
– Color: Black; large workers have a reddish head
– Castes: Presence of small workers (minors), large workers with developed, colorful heads and powerful mandibles (majors), as well as a whole range of intermediate sizes (medias)
– Estimated development rate: A few hundred workers in the first year, up to 2000 the following year (depending on conditions).
– Suitable habitat for rearing: Any type of artificial ant farm with a mineral layer and sufficiently tall chambers, like all Fourmiculture .