Messor structor – Colony with Queen and Workers
Multiple queens, very large majors even in small colonies. The only ant that feeds on seeds to have multiple queens, easy to raise, recommended by Fourmiculture.
Description
The Fourmiculture Charter for our Messor structor ants:
1. Establishment approved by the Veterinary Services and the Prefecture, holding the certificate of competence for the sale of ants (Decision No. 2016195-0002 of the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations),
2. Free Guide to the Perfect Ant Keeper and health record provided,
3. Ants guaranteed free of mites and parasites,
4. Health demonstrated by the queen laying eggs and the presence of brood upon shipment,
5. No "boost" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
6. Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial refund in case of loss of workers, full refund 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 buyback and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions).
________________________________________________
Messor structor is the only French Messor species capable of hosting multiple queens per colony, which contributes to its unique character. The second striking feature is the size of its workers, which can sometimes exceed that of the queen. This is rare among ants. Their morphology also differs compared to other Messor species, with major workers having a well-developed head, a more matte coloration, and a more distinctive shape.
Rarer than Messor barbarus, we are pleased to offer Messor structor colonies on our site with brood to guarantee their good health and regular laying.
The queen and workers are slightly smaller than those of Messor barbarus, but still remarkably small, making observation of this species particularly enjoyable. The majors (large workers) appear especially early and are often present when colonies are sold, whereas it takes longer for Messor barbarus or minor, for example. Their massive heads are incredibly well-developed for grinding seeds, and their size is impressive compared to the smaller workers.
Development is slower than that of Messor minor, for example, but consider providing a warm spot at 27°C to encourage egg-laying and larval development, or even higher if the ants can choose the temperature in different areas. Messor structor prefers high humidity, and it's possible to humidify our Plexiglas ant farms quite extensively. Half of the farm can be humid. A dry section is appreciated for storing seeds.
The remaining characteristics are similar to other Messor ants. Messor structor is therefore easy to raise and observe, making it suitable for enthusiasts of all levels. Fourmiculture particularly recommends this species because the satisfaction of successfully raising them is almost guaranteed.
Messor structor is a rare species, so take advantage of it!
– Food: Messor Mix (seeds), small insects, biscuit crumbs…
– Queen size: 10-12mm. Maximum worker size: 12mm
– Hibernation: approximately 45 days at 15°C
– Rearing temperature outside of hibernation: approximately 27°C
– Humidity level: prefers a relatively high level, but all our Artificial Ant Farms are suitable.
Rarer than Messor barbarus, we are pleased to offer Messor structor colonies on our site with brood to guarantee their good health and regular laying.
| Latin name: |  |
Messor structor |
| Common name: |  |
– Harvester ant (usually refers to Messor barbarus) |
| Taxonomy |  |
Subfamily: Myrmicinae Genus: Pheidolini |
| Difficulty: |  |
Very easy to raise with attention to temperature and humidity. |
| Distribution: |  |
Europe, France including regions less hot than other Messor areas (Auvergne, Loire Atlantique).. |
| Natural habitat: |  |
Sandy plains preferably |
| Polygynous: |  |
Yes, it can contain one or more queens |
| Queen : |  |
Size: 9.5 – 10.5mm Color: Black |
| Female workers: |  |
Size: 4 – 9.5mm Color: Mostly matte black, head slightly reddish-brown in major releases |
| Soldiers: |  |
Not soldiers per se, but rather female workers from minor, media, and major corporations |
| Males: |  |
Size: 7-8mm Color: Black, winged |
| Food : |  |
Solid food (seeds, insects), Messor Mix, fruit |
| Humidity : |  |
ADC: low. Nest: low to medium, provide a dry area for seeds. Prefers humidity more than M. barbarus. |
| Temperature : |  |
ADC: 25-30°C Nest: 21-26°C. A zone at 27°C during the day helps boost development. |
| Diapause: |  |
Yes, 2 to 3 months at around 10-15°C allows for good resumption of growth in the spring. Moisten and feed if necessary. |
| Natural nest; |  |
In the ground, under stones |
| Artificial nest: |  |
Species capable of burrowing through plaster, aerated concrete, etc. Provide a nest of Fourmiculture type or a reinforced one. |
| Nest size: |  |
Adapts to a nest of 16cm initially, up to 60cm |
| Substrate: |  |
Not necessary, otherwise a special substrate is possible. |
| Plants: |  |
It feeds on pest-free and organic seeds such as our Messor Mix. No special symbiosis is required. |
| Decoration: |  |
Tends to mow anything that extends beyond the hunting area. Provide sturdy decorations. |
| Summary : |  |
A granivorous species that makes bread (seeds chewed for 3 days for external digestion). It appreciates a waterer to ensure it has enough water for the dough. It drowns easily; provide a Byformica anti-drowning waterer. |
| Growth : |  |
Average size. Swarms in April or May. Establishes its colony autonomously, without food. Reaches up to 10,000 workers. |
| Quantity sold: |  |
One or more fertilized queens + brood and workers depending on the option |
| Breeding advice: |  |
Contact page |
Additional information
| Weight | 0.1 kg |
|---|---|
| Number of female workers | 1 Queen + 1 to 4 workers , 1 Queen + 41 to 80 workers , 20 to 40 workers , 5 to 15 workers |
| Number of queens | |
| breeding tube | 18cm refillable water-filled tube with compartments, Classic 16x160mm test tube |