Kennedy's Honeypot Ant - Myrmecocystus kennedyi

Meet Myrmecocystus kennedyi, a remarkable honeypot ant species with a fascinating ability: the ability to store nectar within specialized workers called repletes. The queen, measuring around 11-12mm, showcases a reddish-brown head, a brownish-black thorax, and a grayish-brown abdomen. In comparison, the 6mm workers stand out with their red head and thorax contrasted against a dark black abdomen. These repletes play a crucial role, as their abdomens swell to store nectar, turning them into essential living storage units for the colony.

Although Myrmecocystus kennedyi is a smaller honeypot ant species, it still requires a nest with ample vertical ceiling space to allow for proper replete formation, which is crucial for the colony’s survival. Additionally, these ants thrive in an environment with a humidity gradient and need sand to ensure proper brood development. Instead of stinging, they defend themselves by spraying formic acid, which is harmless to humans unless it enters a cut, where it may cause mild discomfort. Despite their intriguing nature, they are not beginner-friendly and require intermediate to advanced care due to their specific environmental and humidity needs, as well as their delicate nature, particularly during the early stages of founding.

Taking care of Myrmecocystus kennedyi requires careful attention to their unique environmental needs to support healthy growth and replete formation. Their smaller size allows them to stay in their initial nest longer, needing fewer resources, which can be helpful for keepers managing space and food supplies. However, they are better suited for experienced ant keepers, as honeypot ants can be delicate, especially during the founding stages, and improper care may lead to colony collapse. It's essential to maintain a temperature range of 80-85°F, with 80°F being optimal, which can be achieved with a heat mat or cable controlled by a thermostat. A heat gradient is also important to regulate their body temperature and support brood development. Humidity is equally crucial, and their nest should provide a gradient so the ants can choose their preferred moisture levels. Myrmecocystus kennedyi thrives on a diet rich in insect protein and sugary liquids like nectar or sugar water. As skilled climbers, frequent barrier checks are necessary to prevent escapes. Their nests also need vertical space for repletes to form and sand for proper cocoon construction. With their specific needs and sensitivity, Myrmecocystus kennedyi can be a rewarding but challenging species, offering a captivating experience for dedicated ant keepers.

For more information on how to take care of your ant, visit our Care Guides.

States available for purchase:

Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah

• Shipping Days: We dispatch live ant orders from Monday to Wednesday to avoid weekend delays, ensuring your ants receive prompt and safe delivery.
• Express Delivery Services: All live ant orders are sent via reliable express carriers that guarantee delivery within 1-3 business days.
• Eligible Delivery Areas: We ship only to regions where overnight or two-day shipping options are available. This minimizes transit time and reduces stress on the ants.
• Specialized Packaging: Our packaging includes insulated materials, along with heat or cold packs as necessary, to maintain a stable and comfortable environment for the ants during transit.

For more information on shipping, visit our Shipping Policy Page.

Live Arrival Guarantee: If your ants arrive dead, we will provide a refund or replacement as long as you notify us within 24 hours of receiving them and provide clear photos showing their condition. Your satisfaction and the well-being of your ants are our top priority!

Two-Week Survival Window: If your colony doesn't thrive within two weeks despite following our care instructions, we'll replace it with a product of equal value.

Please note: Shipping costs for replacements are the responsibility of the buyer