Semi Red Honeypot Ant - Myrmecocystus semirufus

Meet Myrmecocystus semirufus, a visually stunning honeypot species that captivates with its vibrant colors and fascinating colony dynamics. The queens stand out with their bright red heads, red-brown thoraxes, and deep black abdomens, creating a striking contrast that commands attention. Workers share this bold coloration, with red heads and thoraxes paired with sleek black abdomens, ranging in size from 4 to 8mm in size, while the queens reach an impressive 13mm. What truly sets this species apart from other ants is the mesmerizing growth of its repletes—workers whose gasters swell dramatically with nectar, adding an extraordinary visual and functional element to the colony. With its bold appearance and captivating biology, Myrmecocystus semirufus offers a dynamic and rewarding experience for anyone lucky enough to care for them.

Caring for Myrmecocystus semirufus requires careful attention to detail, making it best suited for experienced ant keepers. This species thrives in environments with vertical ceiling space, essential for the proper growth of their repletes, which store nectar for the colony. Due to their excellent climbing abilities, regular barrier maintenance is crucial to prevent escapes. Their care can be challenging, especially during early colony development, as they are less hardy during this stage. Relocating the colony adds another layer of difficulty, as the delicate repletes often require careful, hands-on transfer. Although these ants do not sting, they defend themselves by spraying formic acid when threatened. With their specific care needs and fascinating behaviors, Myrmecocystus semirufus offers a rewarding experience for ant enthusiasts willing to meet the challenge.

Caring for Myrmecocystus semirufus requires precise environmental conditions to help the colony thrive. Maintain a temperature between 80-85°F, with 83°F being optimal, using a heat mat or cable controlled by a thermostat to ensure stability, along with a gradient for temperature regulation. A balanced diet of insect protein and nectar, such as sugar water, is essential for healthy colony development. Proper humidity management is equally important, with a nest designed to offer varying moisture levels, allowing the ants to find their ideal conditions. Repletes need plenty of vertical space to expand, so high-ceilinged nests are crucial, while a sandy substrate supports cocoon formation. With these elements in place, Myrmecocystus semirufus will flourish, rewarding keepers with both captivating behavior and vibrant colony dynamics.

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

States available for purchase:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, 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