Oxyopomyrmex saulcyi

Oxyopomyrmex saulcyi

This a fairly new species to the hobby. O.saulcyi is a very small, drought-tolerant and heat-loving ant species. Queens and workers are both black and measure 4mm and 2-3 mm respectively. 

Their colonies are strictly monogynous, and are native to southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. 

In the wild, you will often find them nesting underground (sandy loam). They tolerate very high temperatures well and therefore, we recommend keeping this species between 24-27C with a relatively low humidity level of 30-45%, always ensuring that a water source is present. 

Due to their small size and nimble nature, a suitable escape prevention barrier should be used at all times.  

Mature colonies typically do not have more than a few hundred individuals, rarely reaching the thousands. 

We have found this species to be omniviorous and fairly opportunistic, with workers taking in a range of insects, pollen, sugars and crushed up seeds. 

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