Cataglyphis pallida (Ghost Desert Ant)
Cataglyphis pallida (Ghost Desert Ant)
Introducing the Desert Ghost Ant, scientifically known as Cataglyphis pallida. Known for its distinctive translucent yellow colouration with striking black banded gasters, these remarkable creatures are a sight to behold.
Originating from Central Asia's desert environments, the Desert Ghost Ants are relatively rare in the Ant-Keeping hobby and therefore, information on its captive hubsandry requirements are fairly limited.
Queens measure around 8mm and workers range from 3 to 5mm, these ants are of petite stature, making them a charming and manageable species to observe and care for despite their relatively large colony sizes.
Desert Ghost Ants exhibit impressive agility as they gracefully maneuver across sandy soils with remarkable speed. These nimble, long legged creatures are adapted to their natural desert habitat, where they can run at astonishing velocities , owing to the high temperatures they encounter.
Cataglyphis pallida do well in most formicaria, provided you meet their specific temperature and humidity needs. Maintain a temperature range of 25-28°C within their habitat, ensuring a relatively low humidity level of around 40%.
As opportunistic foragers, Desert Ghost Ants exhibit a versatile diet. They eagerly consume various insects and will readily accept mealwroms, roaches, crickets and sugar water, making them easy to feed and observe during their daily activities.
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.