Mystrium camillae – Dracula Ant Colony
Colony of Mystrium oculatum, Asian Dracula Ant.
You'll love it:
- ❤️ Unusual morphology with scythe-shaped mandibles,
- ❤️ Slow movements, but lightning-fast attack, the fastest movement in the animal kingdom,
- ❤️ Unique behavior involving the consumption of the vital fluid of its own larvae.
- ❤️ Free and guaranteed safe delivery by courier within 24 hours (for purchases over €200 within the European Union)
Description
Discover the Dracula Ants: Mystrium camillae
Presentation of the species: Mystrium camillae
The Dracula ant, scientifically known as Mystrium camillae, originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Our specific species, Mystrium camillae, is the only species native to Vietnam. This ant is distinguished by its unique "social feeding by suction" behavior, hence its evocative nickname. Indeed, it readily sucks the hemolymph ("blood") from larvae through a small, deliberate wound, which then heals very quickly. The ants can thus feed the insect larvae and then feed on their hemolymph. In times of famine, the entire brood can be eaten by these ants, which can be both Dracula-like and, as a last resort, cannibalistic
These ants are also known for their astonishing abilities: they possess one of the fastest jaws in the animal kingdom, used for hunting and defense. According to National Geographic, this is the fastest animal movement ever recorded, with a speed of around 200 km/h, later measured at 320 km/h by the Royal Society Open Science. A final "catch" for their prey, especially the dangerous millipedes that Dracula ants love to hunt. For keeping them in captivity, we recommend fruit flies, which pose no risk to your precious charges. If you are a knowledgeable enthusiast, this rare species will be a source of pride and reveals the details of its behavior under a USB microscope for the pleasure of observation.
This species is adapted to warm, humid climates. It should be fed several times a week with small protein particles, such as fruit flies (Drosophila), which you can find at stores like Maxizoo or online at Aqualiment, for example, as well as sugary liquids. Relatively undemanding, it forms small colonies of a few hundred workers and has a rather slow growth rate.
Main features:
- Worker size: 5 to 8 mm.
- Diet: Mystrium camillae is primarily carnivorous and opportunistic. They prefer live or freshly killed prey and a regular supply of sugary liquids.
- Difficulty level: Medium. These ants require a well-controlled environment to thrive.
- Nest type: Prefer dark, damp tunnels that mimic underground conditions. Example: Ant Caver.
Recommended living conditions:
- Temperature: 22 to 26°C.
- Humidity: Very high on the nest area, with a drier area to prevent mold.
- Nest recommendation: Natural type nests are suitable, example: Ant Caver from Fourmiculture .
Key features:
- Unique behavior: The workers feed their offspring by sucking the hemolymph of their larvae, a behavior that is harmless to the latter but fascinating to observe.
- Lightning-fast jaws: Capable of reaching speeds of 50 m/s, their mandibles are among the fastest in the animal kingdom.
- Rare species: Ideal for enthusiasts wishing to enrich their collection with a species with unique ecology and behavior.
Ethical commitment and quality:
At Fourmiculture , we place paramount importance on the well-being of our colonies. Our Dracula Mystrium oculatum ants are imported by direct flight , a method that significantly reduces stress and mortality associated with shipping by parcel.
After their arrival, they are acclimatized in our facilities , under perfectly controlled climatic conditions, to guarantee their stability and health. This approach allows us to offer robust and well-developed colonies.
Express delivery is mandatory! Whether you choose this option or not, we will always ship this species via express delivery within France at no extra charge for its well-being. For the rest of the world, please select the fastest available carrier.
⚠️ Important : To preserve the balance of local ecosystems, we do not sell this species in tropical areas such as Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, etc., although this species does not, in our opinion, have any invasive potential due to its low aggressiveness, small population and non-invasive and poorly adaptable behavior.
Photo: SShattuck
Additional information
| Number of female workers | 1 queen + 11 to 25 workers , 1 queen + 26 to 50 workers , 1 queen + 5 to 10 workers |
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