Messor structor: harvester ants in nature and at home
Among all the varieties of ants, it is worth paying attention to the reaper ants. The species owes its name to the unusual collection of grains from the fields. Such nutrition is due to the peculiarities of vegetation in desert regions.
Content
What does a reaper ant look like: photo
Description of the reaper ant
Name: Reapers
Latin: messorClass: Insects - Insecta
Squad: Hymenoptera - Hymenoptera
Family: Ants - Formicidae
 | Habitats: | steppes and semi-steppes |
 | Eat: | cereal grains |
 | Means of destruction: | do not need regulation |
The reaper ant is one of the largest in the subfamily Myrmicinae. The color is dark, reddish brown. The body size of working individuals is within 4-9 mm. Uterus 11 to 15 mm.
The body consists of the head, chest, belly. All parts are connected with jumpers. Jumpers provide flexibility and mobility. The head has a massive square shape. The work of the mandibles can be compared to a trap. This ensures the transfer and crushing of the grains.
Reaper Ant Habitat
Insects prefer steppes and deserts. Habitats:
- Southern and Eastern Europe;
- Caucasus;
- Central and Central Asia;
- Afghanistan;
- Iraq;
- Lebanon;
- Syria;
- Israel.
Reaper Ant Lifestyle
Reaper ant diet
The main food is grains of cereals. To grind grains, ants put a lot of effort. As a result of this, massive occipital muscles have developed strongly, which affect the lower jaws. This also explains the large size of the insect's head.
Seed processing is carried out by workers. The grains are ground into flour. Mixed with saliva, they are given to the larvae. Sometimes insects can eat animal food. It can be dead or live insects.
Reaper Ant Life Cycle
| The appearance of the first individuals | During the formation of larvae in other species, the first young workers grow in reapers. This is due to the favorable conditions of the steppes and semi-deserts. New colonies appear in spring at low air temperature and moderate soil moisture. |
| Queens | There is only one queen in any nest. With the formation of several nests, the presence of several queens is allowed. After a while, extra queens are eaten or kicked out. |
| Type of development | Insects have asexual and sexual development. Asexual provides parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis produces worker ants. With the help of the sexual method, male and female individuals appear. |
| Deadlines | The egg stage lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Larvae are formed from 1 to 3 weeks. The pupa develops from 2 to 3 weeks. |
Reaper Ant Content Features:
This species is one of the most unpretentious and easy to breed. They are slow, but in case of irritation they quickly run away, and in danger they bite. To contain a reaper ant, you must:
- lower humidity;
- provide a large area for maintenance;
- feed grains;
- perform systematic cleaning to prevent mold;
- install a drinker;
- choose gypsum or aerated concrete formicarium.
Conclusion
Reaper ants have many features in nutrition and reproduction. This unique species is often kept in homes or offices. Simplicity and ease of care contribute to the cultivation of these insects in artificial conditions.
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