- Scientific name
- Myrmecocystus mexicanus
- Common name
- Mexican honeypot ant
- Origin
- Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
- Difficulty
- Intermediate level
- Queens
- One queen (monogynous)
- Typical colony size
- About 5,000 individuals in wild colonies in one survey; fewer in captivity
- Temperature
- 26–29 °C
The Mexican honeypot ant is known for its repletes, workers that store liquid food in their swollen abdomens. The species page has the full profile: Myrmecocystus mexicanus.
Founding
Queens found claustrally: a newly mated queen digs a chamber, seals it and lays her first eggs about five days after the mating flight. The first workers emerge about 63 days after the eggs are laid, and they are smaller than later workers.
Nest
Give the colony a deep nest with a sandy substrate, and tall chambers where the repletes can hang. One ant-keeping source recommends at least 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) of substrate. Add a secure outworld with a barrier; ant-keeping sources rate the escape risk as moderate.
Feeding
Keep sugar water or honey water always available, and offer small insects. In a mature colony the repletes store the liquid food for the rest. See feeding ant colonies.
Climate
- About 26–29 °C, a figure on which ant-keeping sources agree.
- An arid setup: dry overall, with a small water source.
- Sources do not agree on a winter rest and give no humidity figure, so none is published.
Activity
Strictly nocturnal according to ant-keeping sources. Expect little daytime activity and watch in the evening.
What to expect
Colonies grow at a moderate pace. In one survey of wild colonies a typical colony held about 5,000 ants, and repletes made up about a quarter of the colony. Captive colonies are usually smaller.
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
Ant-keeping sources rate it Intermediate: it needs warmth and a deep nest.
How many queens?
One queen per colony (moderate confidence: please ask us for the latest information).
What size are the workers?
Sources disagree, so we do not publish a figure.
See also honeypot ant care.
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