Neoponera villosa

Species at a glance

• Origin: the American tropics, from Mexico to northern Argentina
• Size: queen 14–17 mm; workers 11–14 mm
• Colony: up to 2,000 ants
• Difficulty: intermediate, for keepers with some experience

Care conditions

• Temperature: 22–30 °C
• Humidity: 60–85%
• Food: crickets, mealworms and roach nymphs 2–3 times a week; honey water or apple

Hibernation

Not needed: the colony stays active all year.

Farm and colony growth

In trees it nests in cavities and rotting wood. Workers defend the nest readily.

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.