Harpegnathos — jumping hunter ants

About the genus

Harpegnathos are ants from South and Southeast Asia that hunt by sight and leap onto prey. Colonies are small, a few hundred ants. A key trait is gamergates: mated workers that can lay eggs and take over from the queen.

Care

• Temperature: 24–28 °C all year, no hibernation.
• Humidity: high in the nest, a drier arena.
• Food: live or freshly killed insects almost daily, as these hunters react to moving prey; an occasional drop of diluted honey.
• Founding: the queen hunts herself, so she needs an arena and small prey daily.
• Farm: closed, with reliable escape prevention, as the ants jump.

Safety

Workers sting, and the sting is painful. Do not handle the ants, use long forceps, and if you are allergic to bee or wasp stings, choose another species.