Half Red Honeypot Ants (Myrmecocystus semirufus)

General: Myrmecocystus semirufus is considered one of the larger species of honeypot ants. They are bicolored (red and black), active during the day, and form large colonies with displayable honeypot repletes.

Diet: Myrmecocystus semirufus loves liquid sugars, such as sugarwater or honeywater. They also need a protein source to feed their larvae, so fruit flies, crickets, mealworms, or roaches will work. They can lap up the guts from insects and store these in repletes.

Temperature: These ants require heating. A temperature of 79-84 is best, but be sure to provide a heating gradient that includes a cooler area so the ants can regulate themselves. Keep at 80 during founding especially.

Diapause: These ants could diapause in the winter, but it is likely optional. If you keep them warm throughout the winter months, they will likely continue growing. If they seem to slow down, lower them to room temperature or a little below. Continue to provide sugars during diapause.

Growth: Brood development is standard for honeypots, at around 7-9 weeks from egg to worker. Colonies can reach the hundreds within the first year, and likely 1000+ after that with sufficient feeding and heat.

Queen size: 13-14mm

Worker size: 4-8mm

Repletes much larger

If ants arrive in bad condition, contact us for help. Live arrival is guaranteed.