Messor Desertus (Giant Asian Harvester Ant)

Messor desertus (Giant Asian Harvester Ant)

This rare species of harvester ant is found in Central Asia, specifically within arid and desert habitats. This species has a predominantly black body (gaster and thorax) and is covered in many tiny hairs. It is also the largest Harvester Ant in Asia with queens measuring an impressive 16-17mm and majors not being far behind. 

Harvester ants? Like many species belonging to the Messor genus, they actually do just that! These little critters will form several metre non-stop lines of workers carrying plant seeds and husks from A (source of seeds) to B (back to nest). Usually from dawn till dusk! It gets even more interesting! 

Harvested seeds aren't actually just collected and stored. In order to become useful to the colony, the workers (usually those of the media caste) will deshell the pulp from the husk and chew this and combining it with their own saliva and enzymes to create a type of 'ant bread'. This is then fed to their youngsters, the larvae!

In the wild, nests are often found amongst low lying shrubs and ground dwelling plants typically associated with undisturbed desert grassland. 

They are a generally docile species of ant that are suitable for beginners and experienced alike. In terms of growth they are quite fast to develop once the colony reaches 20 workers and over. To ensure they thrive, keep around 24-27C and a humidity level of 40-50%. 

Due to the nature of their natural environment, these ants are mainly active throughout the year but hibernate during the winter season between November and February. 

It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.