Messor Structor Polygynous Harvester Queen Ant
Messor Structor Polygynous Harvester Queen Ant. This species is a highly granivorous ant which collects all kinds of small seeds and chews them into so-called ant bread. Most of their water requirements are covered through seeds and insects. Honeywater is only accepted when there is a lack of moisture. Messor structor tends to drown in open water so it is necessary to cover water places with little stones or cotton.
Keeping Level: EASY- suitable for beginners. European Species.
Distribution: Southern Europe, Southerneuropean Peninsula
Habitat: Sand- and shrub areas
Colony form: polygyne
Queen: Size: 9,5 - 10,5mm Colour: shiny black
Worker: Size: 4 - 9,5mm Colour: shiny black, head reddish brown (major worker)
Soldier: not present
Males: Size: 7 - 8mm Colour: black
Nutrition Mostly seeds from different rampant plants (also grass) but insects too
Air humidity: Arena: 30 - 50% Nestpart: 50 - 70%
Temperature: Arena: 25 - 30°C Nestpart: 21 - 26°C
Hibernation: yes, from the end of November until the beginning of March at 15°C
Questions? Please let us know.
Thank you.
📄 Download the free Messor structor care sheet (PDF): two pages on temperature, humidity, feeding and winter care, written by our team. Print it and keep it next to your ant farm.
🐜 Thinking about a second colony one day? Explore all our free ant care sheets and compare species by difficulty, origin and climate.
