
Messor structor
Subfamily: Myrmicinae Tribe: Pheidolini
Messor structor is an extremely granivorous (grain-eating) ant species from the Mediterranean region. They cover a large part of their moisture requirements through the grains and seeds and the rest through insects. Honey water is only accepted if there is a lack of fluids. Since Messor species tend to plunge into open water sources, these should always be covered with stones or cotton wool.
DIFFICULTY
MEDIUM
QUEEN
Size: 9.5 – 10.5mm Color: dark brown to black
WORKERS
Size: 4 – 9.5mm Color: dark brown to black, major workers with a reddish head
FOOD
Seeds of various grasses and wild plants but also insects. Honey solution, sugar solution
TEMPERATURE
Arena: 25 – 30 ° C Nest area: 21 – 26 ° C
HUMIDITY
Arena: 30 – 50% Nest area: 50 – 70%
FORMICARIUM
SIZE:M ANTCUBE or HEXANEST. Acrylic, glass, plaster, cork
HIBERNATION
yes, from the end of November to February at approx. 15 ° C
COLONY SIZE
up to several 1000 workers
SUBSTRATE
Nest: sand-loam, cork, softwood, digfix, plaster. Arena: sand-loam,
MALES
Size: 7 – 8mm Color: black
SOLDIERS
N/A