Bicolored Large Honeypot Ants (M. placodops 01)
These beautiful honeypot ants are the largest in the US and are known for their striking coloration. Queens are black with a bright red head, while the workers have a black gaster, reddish or black thorax, and a red head as well. Colonies get large repletes (honeypots). Founding survival is guaranteed for these ants if kept well. These ants do not sting and are child-safe!
STATES AVAILABLE TO BUY MYRMECOCYSTUS PLACODOPS: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, Utah
Species Info
General: Myrmecocystus placodops are huge, bicolored honeypot ants from the grasslands of the southwest. These ants love sugars, and create repletes (honeypots) that hang from the ceiling. There is considerable size variation in the workers.
Diet: Myrmecocystus placodops loves liquid sugars, such as sugarwater or honeywater. They also need a protein source to feed their larvae, so fruit flies, crickets, mealworms, or roaches will work. They can lap up the guts from insects and store these in repletes.
Temperature: These ants require heating. A temperature of 79-82 is best, but be sure to provide a heating gradient that includes a cooler area so the ants can regulate themselves. Keep at 80 during founding especially.
Diapause: These ants may diapause in the winter, but it is somewhat optional. If you keep them warm throughout the winter months, they may still continue growing. If they seem to slow down, lower them to room temperature or a little below. Continue to provide sugars during diapause.
Growth: Brood development is standard for honeypots, at around 7-9 weeks from egg to worker. Colonies can reach the hundreds within the first year, and likely 1000+ after that with sufficient feeding and heat.
Queen size: 13-15mm
Worker size: 5-10mm
Repletes much larger
Live Arrival Guaranteed
If ants arrive in bad condition, contact us for help. Live arrival is guaranteed.
SHIPPING INFO
Shipping happens from Monday-Wednesday. During the winter, shipping may cost more due to the need of a heat pack.