Messor structor – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

The Ant Farming Charter on our Messor structor ants:

1. Approved establishment of 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 of Population Protection),
2. Guide to the Perfect Antkeeper offered and information sheet sanitation provided,
3. Ants guaranteed without mites or 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 faster),
6. 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 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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Messor structor is the only French Messor that can accommodate several queens per colony, which helps to make this species unique. The second striking fact is the size of its workers which can sometimes exceed that of the queen. This is a rare occurrence in ants. The morphology also changes compared to other Messors with a well-developed head in major workers, a duller color and a more original shape.

Rarer than Messor barbarus, we are pleased to offer colonies of Messor structor on our site with brood to guarantee their good health and regular laying.

The size of the queen and the workers is a little smaller than Messor barbarus but remains remarkable and makes the observation of this species particularly pleasant. The majors (large workers) appear particularly early and are often present as soon as the colonies are sold, whereas it takes longer with Messor barbarus or minor for example. Their massive head is incredibly developed for crushing seeds and their size is impressive compared to the small workers.

The development is slower than Messor minor for example, but consider offering it a hot spot at 27°C to encourage egg laying and the development of the larvae, or even more if the ants can choose the temperature according to the area. Messor structor appreciates high humidity and it is possible to humidify our Plexiglas anthills quite widely. Half of the anthill may be damp. A dry part is appreciated for the seeds.

The rest of the features are similar to other Messors.
Messor structor is therefore easy to raise and observe and is suitable for enthusiasts of all levels. It is a species that Fourmiculture particularly recommends because the pleasure of successful breeding is almost guaranteed.
Rare Messor structor species, enjoy!

– Food: Messor Mix (seeds), small insects, biscuit crumbs….
– Queen size: 10-12mm.
Maximum worker size: 12mm – Wintering: about 45 days at 15°C
– Breeding temperature excluding wintering: about 27°C
– Humidity rate: appreciates a relatively high rate but all our Artificial Anthills are suitable.

 

Rarer than Messor barbarus, we are pleased to offer colonies of Messor structor on our site with brood to guarantee their good health and regular laying.