Origins and Species Facts:

Novomessor ants are a genus of ants native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. These ants are known for their robust size and their highly predatory nature, as they primarily feed on other insects. Novomessor species are adapted to survive in harsh desert environments, where they forage during the cooler parts of the day to avoid the extreme heat.

The genus Novomessor includes a few notable species, such as Novomessor cockerelli and Novomessor albisetosus. These ants are characterized by their aggressive foraging behavior and their preference for insect protein. In the wild, they play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and are known for their efficient hunting strategies.

Unlike some other ant genera common in desert areas, Novomessor ants do not rely heavily on seeds or plant material; instead, they focus on animal protein, which is vital for their growth and brood development.

Founding:

To successfully establish a Novomessor queen, it is important to minimize stress by avoiding unnecessary movement or vibrations. These queens are fully claustral, meaning they do not need to leave their founding chamber for food until the first generation of workers, known as nanitics, are born.

During the founding stage, the queen relies on her stored energy reserves to produce her initial brood. Providing a stable, quiet environment is crucial to ensuring the successful establishment of the colony. The founding process can take several weeks to a couple of months, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Starter Colony:

Once the first workers emerge, you can begin feeding the colony. Novomessor ants are highly insectivorous, meaning they primarily feed on insect protein. Suitable feeder insects include roaches, fruit flies, crickets, and mealworms. It is important to provide fresh insect protein regularly, as it is essential for the growth and development of the colony.

In addition to insect protein, Novomessor ants also benefit from sugar water (a mixture of 1 part sugar to 3 parts water). However, it is recommended to wait until the colony is moved to a larger setup, such as the tub and tube enclosure, before introducing sugar water.

For larger prey items, it is advisable to cut them into smaller pieces to make them more accessible to the colony. This will help ensure that the workers can efficiently feed on the prey and bring it back to the nest.

Enclosure:

For the early stages of colony development, a "tub and tube" setup is recommended. This setup involves placing the test tube nest inside a larger container (the tub) with a thick fluon barrier applied inside to prevent escapes. The tub provides ample space for the ants to forage and bring back food to the nest.

As the colony grows, the workers will begin to explore the enclosure and establish a routine for foraging and feeding. Ensure that the enclosure is secure and that the fluon barrier is regularly maintained to prevent escapes.

Feeding:

Once the colony has a stable population of workers and is in the tub and tube setup, regular feeding is crucial. Provide fresh insect protein inside the enclosure and adjust the feeding schedule based on the colony's consumption. Novomessor ants are highly active foragers, so it is important to monitor their food intake and ensure that they have a consistent supply of protein.

When introducing sugar water, use a pen or another tool to break the surface tension of the drops, or consider using a byFormica feeder to prevent drowning. The addition of sugar water will provide a quick energy source for the workers, especially during periods of increased activity.

Heating:

Maintaining the proper temperature is key to the optimal growth of Novomessor ants. A Zoomed heating cable is recommended, with a target temperature range of 90-100°F.

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 reaches approximately 30-50 workers, you may consider moving them into a larger nest. The new nest should provide ample space for the colony to expand and should allow the ants to occupy at least a quarter of the available space.

Quality nests designed specifically for Novomessor colonies are available from suppliers like Tarheel Ants. These nests often feature moisture control systems and various chambers that mimic the natural underground environment of Novomessor ants, allowing them to thrive and continue growing.

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