Origins and Species Facts:

Myrmecocystus, commonly known as honeypot ants, are fascinating creatures native to arid and semi-arid regions of North America, particularly the southwestern United States and northern Mexico as well as parts of Canada. These ants are named for their unique behavior of using certain workers, known as repletes, to store food in the form of liquid sugars and nectar. The repletes' abdomens swell significantly, making them resemble small, golden pots of honey, hence the name "honeypot ants."

Founding:

To ensure a successful start for your Myrmecocystus queen, it is crucial to minimize stress. Avoid moving the queen or exposing her to vibrations, as this can disrupt her natural founding process. Honeypot ants are typically "fully claustral," meaning the queen will seal herself in a chamber and will not leave until the first workers (also known as nanitics) are born. During this phase, the queen does not require any external food sources as she relies on her stored energy reserves to produce the initial brood. However, they will consume nectar (sugar water) during this time so giving them a small drop in the early stages of founding can be beneficial.

Patience is key during the founding stage; it is best to leave the queen undisturbed until the first workers emerge, which can take several weeks to a couple of months depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Starter Colony:

Once the first workers have emerged, you can begin feeding the colony. The primary diet for a Myrmecocystus starter colony consists of sugar water (a mixture of 1 part sugar to 3 parts water) and insect protein. Suitable protein sources include nymph roaches, mealworms, fruit flies (personal favorite), and other small insects. Cut larger prey items into smaller pieces to make it easier for them to consume.

It's important to start feeding small amounts and gradually increase the quantity as the colony grows. The workers will use these nutrients to feed the queen, care for the brood, and sustain themselves. Ensure that food is readily available but avoid overfeeding, as excess food can lead to mold and other issues in the enclosure.

Enclosure:

A "tub and tube" setup is recommended for Myrmecocystus colonies during the early stages. This involves placing the ants' test tube nest inside a larger container (the tub) that is treated with a thick fluon barrier to prevent escapes. The tub provides additional space for the ants to forage and helps contain the colony.

As honeypot ants begin producing repletes, they will need more space to hang and store food. At this point, it may be necessary to move them into a larger, full-sized nest. The nest should provide adequate vertical space for the repletes to hang, as well as areas for the queen and workers to rest and lay eggs.

Feeding:

Once the colony has established a stable population of workers, regular feeding becomes essential. The diet should consist of insect protein and sugar water, similar to the starter colony stage. The frequency and quantity of feeding should be adjusted based on the colony's consumption levels.

To prevent the ants from drowning in sugar water, use a pen or other small tool to break the surface tension of the liquid drops. You can also use byFormica liquid feeders if you have them available which is the easiest way to provide nectar in the long term. It's also a good idea to place food on small, easily accessible platforms within the enclosure to keep the environment clean and reduce waste.

Heating:

Optimal growth for Myrmecocystus ants can be achieved by maintaining a warm environment. A Zoomed heating cable is recommended, with a target temperature of 80-90°F depending on the species.

Pairing the cable with a thermostat is the best way to ensure proper temperatures. Place the heating cable under the edge of the test tube where the open end is located, allowing the ants to regulate their temperature by moving closer to or further from the heat source.

When using the tub and tube setup, position the heating cable under the tub, towards the open end of the test tube, to create a temperature gradient. This helps the ants find their preferred microenvironment within the enclosure.

Nests for Expansion:

As the colony grows and begins producing repletes, it may become necessary to move them to a larger nest. A good rule of thumb is to consider relocation when the colony reaches about 25 workers or when the repletes start to appear. The new nest should be large enough for the colony to occupy at least a quarter of the available space.

Quality nests specifically designed for ants are available from vendors like Tarheel Ants. These nests offer features tailored to the needs of Myrmecocystus colonies, such as vertical space for repletes and moisture control to simulate the ants' natural environment.

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