Lying Honeypot Ant - Myrmecocystus mendax

Meet Myrmecocystus mendax, the dazzling honeypot ant species that will captivate you with its striking colors and mesmerizing behavior! With regal queens measuring 11-13mm and bold workers around 5-8mm, their bold red heads and thoraxes create a stunning contrast against sleek black abdomens. But the real magic happens when the repletes—specialized workers with nectar-filled, balloon-like abdomens—transform into living jewels, showcasing vibrant colors that turn the colony into a visual masterpiece. For any ant enthusiast, Myrmecocystus mendax is the ultimate showstopper, combining beauty and awe-inspiring behavior like no other!

Myrmecocystus mendax, while more resilient than some other honeypot ant species, is still best suited for intermediate to advanced ant keepers. They require a specialized setup with nests that offer ample vertical space, allowing their repletes to develop properly. Given their excellent climbing abilities, it's crucial to maintain barriers regularly to prevent escapes. Moving them to a new nest can also be challenging due to the fragile nature of their repletes, often necessitating careful, hands-on relocation. Although they don’t sting, these ants defend themselves by spraying formic acid. Providing proper care for this species demands close attention, making them an ideal choice for more experienced ant enthusiasts.

Creating the perfect environment for Myrmecocystus mendax requires balancing temperature, nutrition, and humidity. Keep the temperature between 80-85°F, aiming for 83°F, with a heat mat or cable controlled by a thermostat to maintain consistency and a gradient for temperature regulation. A varied diet of insect protein and sweet nectar, like sugar water, promotes steady colony growth. Proper humidity is crucial, so the nest should feature areas with different moisture levels, letting the ants find their preferred conditions. Repletes need generous vertical space to expand, so nests with tall ceilings are ideal, and a sandy substrate supports cocoon development. With these key elements in place, your Myrmecocystus mendax colony will be able to thrive and grow beautifully.

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

States available for purchase:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, 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