Messor arenarius

Species at a glance

• Origin: the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East
• Size: queen 18–20 mm; workers from 5 up to 15–18 mm
• Colony: a single queen; grows slowly, from a few hundred to several thousand workers in the wild
• Difficulty: intermediate, for keepers with some experience

Care conditions

• Temperature: 21–28 °C with part of the farm heated
• Humidity: a moist brood area and a dry seed area; the arena stays dry
• Food: seeds make up most of the diet; insects especially while the colony has brood

Hibernation

It depends on where the colony comes from: North African populations need no hibernation, while ants from colder areas get a cool rest at about 15 °C from November to February. Ask the seller about the origin.

Farm and colony growth

The colony grows slowly and is sensitive to vibration and sudden changes in lighting, so keep the farm somewhere quiet. Large workers need roomy chambers and sturdy materials.