Myrmecocystus placodops
Temperature
24–32 °C
Humidity
30–50%
Colony size
1,000–5,000
Queen size
10–13 mm
Worker size
4–10 mm
Diet
Care Guide
Myrmecocystus placodops, commonly known as the honey pot ant, is a species of desert dwellers that exhibit a truly extraordinary adaptation. These ants are polymorphic, meaning the colony produces workers of varying sizes, but their most striking caste is the replete. A replete is a specialized worker whose gaster becomes enormously distended with a sugary liquid, turning it into a living storage vessel. These “living honey pots” hang from the ceiling of the nest chamber, their abdomens swollen to the size of a large grape, and serve as the colony’s emergency food reserve during dry periods. The queen is the largest individual at 10–13 mm, while minor workers can be as small as 4 mm and majors up to 10 mm, with some transitioning to become repletes over time.
The diet of Myrmecocystus placodops revolves around sweet liquids. In nature, they collect nectar from flowers and honeydew from aphids, which they bring back to the nest and feed to developing repletes. In captivity, a constant supply of sugar water (1:5 or 1:8 ratio) is essential. They also require a protein source – small insects like fruit flies, crickets, or mealworms – to feed the queen and brood. Unlike many ants, these honey pot ants do not store dry seeds; all food is liquid or soft prey. A well‑fed colony will gradually develop a “pantry” of repletes, a mesmerizing sight that makes this species a true gem for experienced keepers.
Care difficulty
Keeping Myrmecocystus placodops is considered advanced and is not recommended for beginners. Their need for low humidity (30–50%) and high temperatures (24–32°C) mimics their arid native habitats, and any deviation can cause the colony to stress or the repletes to burst. Additionally, repletes are vulnerable – vibrations or sudden temperature drops can cause them to regurgitate their stores. These ants are also quite sensitive to disturbances, especially during founding and early colony growth.
Housing
A formicarium for this species should be well ventilated and kept on the dry side, with a small water source provided in the outworld (a test tube with a cotton plug is ideal). The nest itself can be made of acrylic, plaster, or clay, but must include a large, dark, open chamber where repletes can hang. Substrate is optional but can help retain a tiny bit of moisture in one corner. Heat is critical: use a heat mat with a thermostat to keep a steady gradient within the 24–32°C range. Avoid any condensation – high humidity is the enemy. A clean, dry outworld with a feeding dish for sugar water and a separate dish for protein will complete the setup. Patience is key; these ants grow slowly at first but become spectacular once repletes appear.
First days after purchase
When you receive your Myrmecocystus placodops colony, place the formicarium in a quiet, dark location and let the ants settle for at least 24 hours. Resist the urge to check on them frequently. Provide a small drop of sugar water near the entrance and ensure they have access to water. Do not offer protein immediately – let them acclimate and begin foraging first. Watch for signs of activity: workers clearing debris or moving into the nest. If the queen is still in a test tube, gently connect the tube to the formicarium and let them move at their own pace. Avoid any vibrations or bright lights. In the following days, gradually increase the temperature to the target range and observe the development of the first repletes – a milestone that marks the beginning of a truly captivating colony.