{"product_id":"veromessor-stoddardi-rusty-harvester-ant","title":"Veromessor Stoddardi (Rusty Harvester Ant)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVeromessor stoddardi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA relatively rare granivorous ant species, \u003cem\u003eVeromessor stoddardi \u003c\/em\u003ecan be found across the arid and semi-arid Western states of the US such as California. Colonies have also been observed in Mexico. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMature nests are often found underground within clay based soils. These are often no bigger than a few thousand individuals (2000-3000) and are characterised by limited entrance holes, usually no more than 2 or 3 entrances\/exits. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eQueens are bicoloured and have a dark maroon coloured head and black thorax with gasters being reddish\/black. Workers on the other hand tend to be orangish brown throughout with darker gasters. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn terms of physical size, queens are relatively small measuring no more than 10-12mm whereas workers are incredibly polymorphic and measure between 3-8mm. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhilst there is not a lot information currently with regards to their husbandry requirements we find that queens found well in small test tube setups filled with clay, ensuring that a high humidity level is achieved and temperature parameters between 27-30C. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eQueens are fully claustral and do not require feeding but a drop of sugars is well accepted every 10-12 days. Once the first nanitics arrive, ensure to feed a combination of seed blends, protein and sugars\/nectars. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is active all year round but temperatures should be lowered during the winter to mimic natural environments and induce resting period for queen. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003eillegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 Queen \u0026 Brood","offer_id":64219027308893,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Veromessorstoaddardi1.webp?v=1776477194","url":"https:\/\/www.antshq.co.uk\/products\/veromessor-stoddardi-rusty-harvester-ant","provider":"Ants HQ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}