Messor structor
The Fascinating Harvester Ant
Origin : Spain
Geographical distribution: Southern Europe, North Africa, Asia
Breeding level: Beginner
Habitat : Sunny paths and open fieldsand sandy trails.
Colony form: polygenous (multiple queens per colony)
Colony size: up to 10.000
Size : queen: 10 - 11 mm, workers: 4 to 10 mm long
Color : black and some reddish reflects
Queen lifespan: up to 25 years
Food: Seeds (but sometimes like some sweet nectar and little dead insects)
Humidity: 50-70% (important).
Temperature: 20 - 26°C.
Hibernation: Yes, from mid-November to early March at temperatures of 12-15°C.
Nest type: Ytong, plaster, acrylic, 3D printed nests.
Messor structor ants are fascinating to watch as they collect seeds and store them in their nest. They chew the seeds into a paste that they feed to the larvae and the queen. This behavior is why they are called harvester ants.
Messor structor ants are a great choice for beginners because they are relatively easy to care for. They don't require a lot of special attention, as long as you make sure they have plenty of seeds, water, and a quiet place to live.