Golden Fire Ants (S. aurea)

General: Solenopsis aurea is an orange, polygynous fire ant from the southwestern United States. The colonies grow into the thousands and are polymorphic. Similar to other fire ants, such as Solenopsis xyloni. 

 

Diet: These ants have a generalist diet. They can eat anything from seeds to proteins to sugars. They prefer lots of protein and liquid sugars. Growth speed depends mostly on how much this species is fed. 

 

Temperature: This species requires some sort of heat source. They prefer heat between 85-95 degrees, with a slight heating gradient through the nest. This species will not grow quickly without heating. 

 

Diapause: Solenopsis aurea does not need diapause, but can withstand relatively cold temperatures for a short diapause. Do not put them near freezing temperatures. It is not recommended to diapause these ants. 

 

Growth: Brood development takes around 3-5 weeks. It depends mostly on heating, but averages 4 weeks. Colonies can reach the hundreds of thousands, but rarely do. Colonies can grow into the thousands within months if fed and heated enough. 

 

Queen size: 5-6mm

Worker size: 2.5-4mm

Major size: 3.5-4mm

If ants arrive in bad condition, contact us for help. Live arrival is guaranteed.

Shipping happens from Monday-Wednesday. During the winter, shipping may cost more due to the need of a heat pack.