Myrmecocystus colei

Myrmecocystus colei - "Cole's Honeypot Ant"

Myrmecocystus colei is a honey ant native to southern California, found from coastal valleys to the Mojave Desert. Workers are small at 0.76-1.26mm with a distinctive light to dark brownish coloration and yellowish mandibles and clypeus. Queens are larger at 1.40-1.46mm. This species is notable for its unique diurnal foraging behavior, unlike most honey ants that are active at dawn/dusk, M. colei forages during midday, a trait that evolved independently in this species ^[1][2]. They nest in compacted clayey soil overlain with gravel or coarse sand and are efficient scavenger-predators that also collect large quantities of nectar from flowers.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Southern California, from coastal valleys to Mojave Desert. Found in coastal sagebrush habitat, stream drainages, and areas where this habitat grades into Oak-Juniper-Joshua tree associations ^[3].
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen) based on typical Myrmecocystus genus patterns. Colony size data is limited but related species typically reach several hundred workers.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 1.40-1.46mm ^[3]
  • Worker: 0.76-1.26mm ^[3]
  • Colony: Estimated several hundred workers based on related species
  • Growth: Moderate, inferred from typical Myrmecocystus development
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on related Formicinae species at optimal temperature (Development time inferred from genus patterns, no direct species-specific data available)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 22-28°C. This species is adapted to warm southern California conditions and can tolerate higher temperatures typical of desert habitats. A heating gradient allows workers to regulate their temperature ^[3].
  • Humidity: Low to moderate, these are desert-adapted ants. Keep nest substrate relatively dry with occasional moisture zones. Avoid overly damp conditions.
  • Diapause: Likely required. Southern California winters are mild but ants should experience a cool period (10-15°C) for 2-3 months to simulate natural seasonal cycle.
  • Nesting: Compact clayey soil in nature. In captivity, a naturalistic setup with compacted soil or a Y-tong/plaster nest works well. They prefer tight chambers and passages scaled to their small size.
• Behavior: Diurnal foragers active at midday, an unusual trait among honey ants. Workers are assiduous scavenger-predators and also collect nectar from flowers. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend their colony. Escape risk is moderate due to their small size, use standard barrier methods.
• Common Issues: colonies may struggle if kept too humid, these are desert-adapted ants, diapause is likely required but timing and duration may differ from temperate species, limited colony size data makes growth expectations uncertain, test tube setups may dry out too quickly in heated enclosures, wild-caught colonies may have parasites or diseases

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmecocystus colei nests in compacted clayey soil in the wild, often overlain with gravel or coarse sand. For captivity, a naturalistic setup with a compacted soil layer works best, mix clay and sand to create a firm substrate that holds tunnels. Alternatively, a Y-tong (acrylic) nest with narrow chambers can work, though they may prefer to dig in soil. Because they are small ants, ensure chambers and passages are appropriately scaled. Provide a water tube for humidity but avoid saturating the nest, these desert ants prefer drier conditions. ^[3]

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, M. colei workers are assiduous scavenger-predators and collect large quantities of nectar from flowers. In captivity, offer a varied diet: sugar water or honey as an energy source, and protein sources like small insects (fruit flies, pinhead crickets, mealworms). Their small size means prey should be appropriately sized. Nectar sources can be provided via sugar water, honey, or small pieces of fruit. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water available constantly. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. ^[3]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

These ants are adapted to warm southern California conditions, including desert areas. Keep the nest at 22-28°C, with a slight gradient allowing workers to thermoregulate. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create this gradient. During winter, provide a cool period around 10-15°C for 2-3 months to simulate their natural seasonal cycle, this is important for colony health and reproduction. Unlike tropical species, they do not need constant warmth year-round. ^[3]

Behavior and Foraging

Myrmecocystus colei has a unique foraging pattern, unlike most honey ants that are active at dawn or dusk, this species forages during midday ^[1][2]. This diurnal behavior evolved independently from their ancestors that were active at other times. Workers are active foragers that scavenge, hunt small prey, and collect nectar. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend the nest. Their small size means moderate escape prevention is needed, standard barriers like Fluon work well.

Frequently Asked Questions

References