[2021] Acanthomyrmex thailandensis

[TenebrousNova]

Acanthomyrmex is an unusual ant that I've very rarely seen for sale, but I was drawn to them mainly by their unusual (and adorable) appearance. They remind me of a bit of Pheidole but the majors have more comically big heads. Apparently they don't have large colonies (100-200 workers) and the majors use their large jaws to crush seeds. These ants are very small, with the queens being 6mm, majors 5.5mm and the minor workers 3.5mm. They are also polygynous, but the colony I'm getting just has the one queen.

Here's what they look like.



I ordered a colony from ExoticAntStore and they have just left Thailand. Once they are safely in my hands, I'll post more- and of course, there will be photos.

As always, feel free to comment!

[TenebrousNova]

The colony has arrived. Like Meranoplus they seem inquisitive enough to try escaping, but won't put up a fight if you nudge them back in. There's the queen, a number of majors mixed among the workers and three males. There's a small amount of eggs but otherwise I haven't seen any brood. Perhaps they ate it during transit? In any case, they have moved out of the outworld and are getting settled in.

[TenebrousNova]

After doing some additional research and asking around, I found out that Acanthomyrmex loves fig seeds above all else. I ordered some off Ebay and sure enough, the workers are gathering them up. They also took a cricket.

[adam15]

They are beautiful! Would be interested in learning more and will be reading your update with enthusiasm!