Messor dentatus

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Messor dentatus

Reference : MFOUR-020

Latin name: Messor dentatus

Taxonomy: Subfamily: Myrmicinae Tribe: Pheidolini

Stability level: Beginner

Geographic distribution: Egypt, Turkey

Habitat: Sands and steppes

Colony form: Monogynous

Queen: Size: 11-12 mm Color: Red head, red sheen on the gaster

Workers: Size: 4-7 mm Color: Brick-red head and thorax, black gaster

Major: Size: 9-11 mm Color: Brick-red head and thorax, black gaster

Male: Size: 7 mm Color: Black

Diet: Primarily granivorous, eating a variety of seeds, but also many small insects such as mealworms, flies, mosquitoes, and crickets. A water source is essential for the production of ant bread.

Humidity: Foraging area: 30-50% Nest: 50-70%

Temperature: Foraging area: 25-30°C Nest: 23-28°C

Hibernation: Yes, from mid-November to early March, between 12 and 15°C

Nest type: Plexiglas nest, tube nest, reconstituted stone nest.

Description: Messor dentatus is a primarily granivorous species, very interesting to observe as it produces ant bread to feed the brood. It has three different castes: minor, media, and major, each with distinct roles. Once the colony becomes populous, they are also very good hunters. This is an ideal species for beginners because it is very hardy and forgiving of husbandry mistakes.

Development: Swarming occurs from mid-November to the end of December.

Founding: Takes place in a cloistered environment (without feeding). Development: 45 days from egg to worker (depending on temperature).

Colony size: Up to 50,000 individuals; the queen can live up to 25 years.

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