Messor — harvester ants

Why harvester ants are interesting

Messor is a genus of ants that get most of their diet from seeds. Workers gather grains and carry them into dry granary chambers, and large-headed workers crack the hard husks. That is why workers in one colony vary so much in size: small and large ants work side by side, which is fascinating to watch.

Care

• Food: a mix of small seeds as the staple, plus a few insects several times a week, especially while the colony has larvae.
• Water: constant access to water; keep seeds dry, as damp grains go mouldy inside the nest.
• Farm: a dry area for the granary and a moist area for the brood; large workers can chew through soft materials.
• Hibernation: most species of the genus come from temperate and Mediterranean climates and need a cool winter rest. Tropical species such as the East African Messor cephalotes are kept without hibernation.

Choosing a species

For a first colony, keepers usually pick Messor barbarus or Messor structor: both are hardy and grow quickly. Large tropical species are impressive, but they need warmth all year and a sturdy farm. Each species page describes its specifics.