Slender Honeypot Ant - Myrmecocystus lugubris

Meet Myrmecocystus lugubris, the perfect smaller-sized honeypot ant that brings all the fascination of its larger relatives in a more manageable and fun package! With workers measuring just 3-6mm and queens reaching a modest 8-11mm, this species is ideal for ant enthusiasts looking for a captivating yet easy-to-care-for honeyot colony. Their striking color segmentation—featuring a brown head and thorax paired with a darker brown to black gaster—adds a touch of visual intrigue to any setup. Myrmecocystus lugubris is renowned for its unique replete workers, which store liquid food in their swollen abdomens, creating a living pantry that’s both mesmerizing and practical. Compact, low-maintenance, and endlessly entertaining, this species offers a fantastic entry point into the world of honeypot ants, making it a must-have for hobbyists seeking a rewarding and delightful ant-keeping experience!

Myrmecocystus lugubris provides a fascinating yet demanding experience, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced ant keepers. While this species is known for its resilience, it requires a specialized setup with nests that offer ample vertical space to accommodate the development of repletes, which are essential for the colony’s survival. Their excellent climbing skills necessitate consistent barrier upkeep to ensure containment, and relocating the colony can be particularly challenging due to the delicate nature of the repletes, which often need careful, manual handling. Although they lack a sting, these ants rely on formic acid as their primary defense mechanism. With their unique care needs, striking appearance, and intriguing behaviors, Myrmecocystus lugubris is a captivating choice for experienced enthusiasts looking for a rewarding and dynamic addition to their collection.

Caring for Myrmecocystus lugubris requires meticulous attention to their environmental needs, including temperature, nutrition, and humidity, to ensure the colony thrives. Maintain a temperature range of 80-87°F, with 85°F as the ideal target, using a heat mat or cable regulated by a thermostat to provide consistent warmth and a gradient for natural temperature regulation. Their diet should include a mix of insect protein and sweet nectar, such as sugar water, to support healthy and steady colony development. Humidity is equally important, so their nest should offer a range of moisture levels, allowing the ants to choose their preferred conditions. To accommodate the growth of repletes, nests with high ceilings are essential, and a sandy substrate is required for proper cocoon formation. By meeting these specific care requirements, Myrmecocystus lugubris will reward keepers with its captivating behavior and dynamic colony growth.

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

States available for purchase:

Arizona, California, and Nevada.

• 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