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Messor — harvester ants

Harvester ants live on seeds and store them in the nest. One of the best genera for a first colony.

Read the guide
  • Seeds (harvesters)
Messor aciculatus Messor aegyptiacus Messor arenarius Messor barbarus Messor bouvieri Messor capitatus Messor cephalotes Messor galla Messor hebreus Messor laboriosus Messor minor Messor muticus Messor nondentatus Messor orientalis Messor structor Messor wasmanni

Key facts

Diet
a mix of small seeds as the staple, plus a few insects several times a week, especially while the colony has larvae
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

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

  • 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.

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.

Catalog

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