Messor cephalotes – Queen with brood

Description

Here is Messor cephalotes:
One of the most beautiful species in Africa thanks to its black color enhanced with intense red and its exceptional size (sometimes more than 20mm for the queen and 18mm for the major workers).

The colonies of Messor cephalotes are relatively easy to breed because this species feeds as easily as our French Messors. Indeed, the seeds cover the majority of its needs, but its aggressiveness and its strong appetite allow it to also feed on insects, sometimes even certain sweet liquids. The difference lies in the longer development time than Messor barbarus with a duration of more than 1 month between the egg and the worker. Patience is rewarded with workers of impressive size and a magnificent glowing color.

Observations are particularly pleasant on this favorite species that we offer in ultra-limited quantities.

These queens are currently trying to found their colony completely independently, preferably in the dark and at 25°C during the day, 20-24°C at night. Development can be carried out all year round without marked wintering, with only a heating break. When the queen is still alone during the foundation of her colony, it is recommended to give her a little sugary liquid to support her laying once a week on aluminum foil, and to keep the tube very clean.

Example of colony by a particular breeder (Liber Ants):

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The Fourmiculture Charter on legislation and ethics:

Fourmiculture offers this exceptional species from Kenya, a country where you can find magnificent species. We import them by express carrier to ensure good transport conditions. The queens are taken during swarming, without destroying nests, and in limited proportions.

We are fortunate to build relationships of trust with local populations in order to improve their living conditions. We thus ensure a fair exchange without intermediary.

Fourmiculture is also an establishment recognized by the French veterinary services, in possession of a certificate of capacity for the breeding and sale of ants, validated by myrmecologists, civil and environmental protection services (decision N°2016195-0002 of the Direction Department of Population Protection).

As an individual, the breeding of this species does not require any authorization because it is neither protected, nor threatened, nor invasive, nor dangerous.
We remind you, however, that the bite of soldiers can be very painful. Finally, releasing the colony into the wild is prohibited and we will take back your colonies up to 50€. _____________________________________________________________
The Ant Farming Charter on Messor cephalotes:

1/ Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood during shipping, guaranteed without parasites,
2/ No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell the colonies more quickly, the queen is high since swarming),
3/ Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial reimbursement in the event of loss of workers, total reimbursement in the event of loss of the queen (if delivered within 24 hours),
4/ Free breeding guide and health sheet provided,
5/ Colony taken back up to €50 if you wish to part with it, if colony returned in good health.

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The Fourmiculture Charter on delivery:

Our experience allows us to eliminate almost all losses during transport and we use packaging adapted and tested for this use. You will be delivered by 24-hour carrier, and any loss of the colony during transport would automatically entitle you to a 100% refund if you have opted for 24-hour delivery.

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More info about Messor cephalotes:

– Size of the queen: around 20mm
– Size of the workers: around 3 to 18mm
– Breeding temperature: 25°C during the day, 20-24°C at night
– Wintering: None
– Food: Seeds mainly and insects, ideally of the Messor Power Mix.
Sweet liquids in some cases. Small fresh insects (crickets size 1 to 2, fruit flies, mosquitoes etc) or dead, jellies, meat, etc. – Humidity requirement: low to medium.
Always keep a small part of the chambers moist. – Monogynous (1 queen per colony)
– Maximum colony population: estimated at 10,000 workers.
– Colour: Black with a strong red coloring on the head and thorax of the workers and the queen.
– Estimated maximum longevity of the queen: 10 to 20 years

Photo: Copyright Antstore