Giant Red Headed Honeypot Ant - Myrmecocystus placodops-01

Meet Myrmecocystus placodops-01, one of the crown jewel of honeypot ants! With queens measuring an impressive 14-16mm and bold workers around 6-11mm, these ants shine with fiery red heads and sleek black thoraxes and abdomens, creating a jaw-dropping visual contrast. But the real spectacle unfolds when the repletes—specialized workers with balloon-like abdomens—swell with nectar, transforming into shimmering, living jewels that turn the colony into a radiant masterpiece. Their vibrant colors and mesmerizing behavior make them more than just a species—they’re a living work of art. For ant enthusiasts seeking the perfect combination of beauty, elegance, and intrigue, Myrmecocystus placodops-01 stands unmatched as the ultimate showstopper.

Myrmecocystus placodops-01 offers a rewarding but challenging experience, making it best suited for intermediate to advanced ant keepers. Although more resilient than some other honeypot species, it requires a carefully designed setup with nests that feature ample vertical space to support the growth of repletes. Their strong climbing abilities demand consistent barrier maintenance to prevent escapes, and relocating the colony can be tricky due to the fragile nature of the repletes, often requiring delicate, hands-on handling. While these ants do not sting, they defend themselves by spraying formic acid. With their specific care requirements and captivating behavior, Myrmecocystus placodops-01 is an excellent choice for dedicated experienced enthusiasts seeking a dynamic and engaging species.

Caring for Myrmecocystus placodops-01 requires careful attention to temperature, nutrition, and humidity to ensure the colony thrives. Maintain a temperature between 80-87°F, with 85°F as the optimal target, using a heat mat or cable controlled by a thermostat to provide consistent warmth and a gradient for temperature regulation. A balanced diet of insect protein and sweet nectar, like sugar water, is essential for steady colony growth. Proper humidity management is also crucial, with nests designed to offer zones of varying moisture levels, allowing the ants to find their ideal conditions. Since repletes need ample vertical space to expand, nests with tall ceilings are recommended, and a sandy substrate supports proper cocoon formation. With these elements in place, your Myrmecocystus placodops-01 colony will flourish, rewarding you with vibrant behavior and steady development.

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

States available for purchase:

Arizona, California, Colorado, 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