Origins and Species Facts:

Veromessor, commonly known as "true harvester" ants, are primarily found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. These ants are well-adapted to hot, dry climates and are known for their specialized seed-harvesting behavior. Veromessor ants play a vital role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds, which helps maintain the health and diversity of plant communities in their habitats.

The Veromessor genus includes several species, with Veromessor pergandei and Veromessor andrei being among the most notable. These ants are known for their large colonies and efficient foraging strategies. Unlike some other harvester ants, Veromessor species are fully claustral, meaning that the queen can start a colony without leaving the founding chamber to forage for food during the initial stages of colony development.

Veromessor ants are polymorphic, with workers of various sizes that perform different roles within the colony. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, but they also require protein for brood development and sugars for energy, making them versatile foragers.

Founding:

To successfully establish a Veromessor queen, it is crucial to minimize stress by avoiding movement or vibrations. Since Veromessor ants are fully claustral, the queen will not leave her chamber until the first workers, known as nanitics, are born. During this stage, no food is required, as the queen relies on her energy reserves to produce her initial brood.

It is important to provide a stable, quiet environment for the queen to focus on founding the colony. This process can take several weeks up to a bit over a month, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Starter Colony:

Once the first workers emerge, you can begin feeding the colony. Veromessor ants primarily feed on seeds, making them true harvesters. Suitable seed choices include dandelion, Kentucky Blue Grass (ensure they are untreated), chia, and other small seeds. While seeds form the bulk of their diet, Veromessor ants also benefit from sugar water (a mixture of 1 part sugar to 3 parts water) and insect protein, such as nymph roaches or mealworms. Cut larger prey items into smaller pieces to make it easier for them to consume.

Providing a balanced diet is crucial for the colony's growth and health. Seeds offer essential nutrients, while insect protein is necessary for brood development, and sugar water provides a quick energy source for the workers.

Enclosure:

For the early stages of colony development, a "tub and tube" setup is recommended. This setup involves placing the ants' 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 store seeds while keeping them safely contained.

As the colony grows, the workers will begin to explore the enclosure and gather seeds to store in the test tube or other areas of the tub. 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, regular feeding is essential. Provide a quarter-sized amount of seeds, insect protein, and sugar water inside the enclosure. Adjust the feeding schedule and quantity based on the colony's consumption patterns.

To prevent drowning, use a pen or another tool to break the surface tension of sugar water drops, or consider using a byFormica feeder, which is specifically designed to provide a safe and accessible feeding option for ants.

Heating:

Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for the optimal growth of Veromessor ants. A Zoomed heating cable is recommended, with a target temperature range of 80-85°F.

Pairing the cable with a thermostat is the best way to ensure proper temperatures. Place the heating cable under the portion of the test tube without water, 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 be spacious enough for the colony to occupy at least a quarter of the available space, allowing for further expansion. Veromessor ants are known for their efficient seed-harvesting behavior, so a nest with areas for seed storage and brood development is ideal.

Quality nests designed specifically for Veromessor colonies are available from suppliers like Tarheel Ants. These nests offer features such as moisture control and chambers that simulate the ants' natural underground environment.

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