Myrmecocystus wheeleri is an amazing honeypot ant species known for its vibrant coloration. The queens feature a reddish-orange head with a thorax of a similar hue, accented by brown stripes along the top, and a bright orange abdomen. Workers are a uniform light red, varying in size from 3 to 6mm, while queens measure around 13mm. Repletes, characteristic of honeypot ants, grow significantly larger as they store nectar, creating an impressive contrast within the colony.
This species requires a specific setup with nests that offer vertical ceiling space to accommodate the development of their repletes. While Myrmecocystus wheeleri is somewhat hardier than other honeypot species, it is still considered intermediate to advanced due to its care requirements. They are adept climbers, necessitating frequent barrier maintenance to prevent escapes. Additionally, moving this species to a new nest is complicated by the fragility of the repletes, which often need to be relocated manually.
Myrmecocystus wheeleri is ideal for ant keepers looking for a more colorful and visually engaging species. While they are slightly more resilient than some of their honeypot counterparts, they still require attentive care and management, making them best suited for those with some experience in ant-keeping.
Vibrant reddish-orange coloration that stands out in any collection.
Hardier compared to other honeypot species.
They do not sting, relying on formic acid for defense.
Cons:
Intermediate to advanced care level with specific habitat needs.
Requires regular barrier maintenance due to climbing ability.
Challenging to relocate due to the fragile nature of the repletes, often requiring manual handling.
Care Requirements:
Temperature Range: 80-85F (83F preferred) using a heat cable or heat mat paired with a thermostat. Like with most ants, having a heat gradient is beneficial.
Food: Insect protein and nectar (sugar water) are both required for optimal growth.
Humidity: Nests that are made properly will have a gradient to allow the ants to choose a humidity range that suits their needs.
Honeypots require nest types that have vertical ceiling space for proper replete formation. They also need sand to form their cocoons.Â
