Plagiolepis pygmaea – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

The Fourmiculture Charter on our Plagiolepis pygmaea ants:

– Raised by a specialist in optimal conditions, guaranteed without parasites,
– Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood upon shipment,
– No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
– Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial reimbursement in the event of loss of workers, total reimbursement in the event of loss of the queen,
– Supplied with a care sheet and a health sheet,
– Shipped all year round , from -12°C +40°C thanks to our free insulated packaging,
– Species present in France, non-invasive and not threatened,
– Colony taken back and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions)
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Description of the colony:

It is fascinating to observe that Plagiolepis pygmaea can be parasitized by another similar species but with a yellower colour. The latter, Plagiolepis grassei, knows how to be accepted in the colony to benefit from the protection of its host.

The most remarkable fact, often upon receiving your first colony, is that the tiny workers of Plagiolepis pygmaea have the ability to distend their abdomens in order to store huge amounts of liquid food. The abdomen becomes quasi-transparent once the plates of their exoskeleton are distended by the swelling.

This species is also polygynous. Its ability to have several queens per colony therefore allows it to develop more quickly. It is a combative species that secretes a sticky substance to defend itself from other ants.

Small but fairly fast growing, you will be able to observe the behavior of this species especially when feeding. However, be careful when dispensing liquid. In order to protect them from drowning, it is possible to place a little cotton in the sweet liquids.

In addition to powdered food to be diluted in milk, small freeze-dried insects can supplement the diet of Plagiolepis pygmaea. Remember to add a little cotton in the liquid food so that the workers do not stick to it.

Size of the workers: 1-2mm
Size of the queen: 4mm
Recommended daytime temperature: 23°C minimum, ideally 27°C.
Humidity of the anthill: Propose a very humid area and a dry area.
Fear the lack of humidity. Wintering: 45 days at around 15°C.