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Monomorium bicolor

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Description

Monomorium bicolor

Monomorium bicolor is an African species with outstanding adaptive capabilities and an extremely interesting social biology. It is an ideal choice for keepers looking for a species characterized by a massive growth rate while being very easy to maintain. Its two-color coloration and uninterrupted high activity all year round make it a fascinating object of observation for every myrmecologist.

Feature	Description
Origin	Sub-Saharan Africa
Breeding difficulty	Easy
Size	Queen: 4-5 mm \| Workers: 2-3 mm \| Soldiers: none
Coloration	Black and red / orange
Diet	Honey and protein food (feeder insects)
Temperature	24-30°C
Hibernation	None
Recommended formicariums	3D print, acrylic, soil

Characteristics and Occurrence

This species originates from the open savannas and semi-arid areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by exceptional opportunism and a great ability for synanthropization. It successfully assimilates in urbanized and agricultural areas of Africa or the Middle East. Its resistance to fluctuations in spatial and soil conditions means that it forgives many mistakes in breeding. This minimizes the risk of losing the colony.

The showcase of Monomorium bicolor is its attractive appearance. This species tempts with a shiny black abdomen that contrasts perfectly with the flame-red head and thorax. A striking feature not found in common related pests like the pharaoh ant (M. pharaonis) is a visible territorialism combined with aggression in repelling intruders from their own territory.

Biology, Polygyny and Exponential Growth

The foundation of the gigantic reproductive success and observational potential in the breeding of this taxon is the phenomenon of extreme polygyny amplified by intra-nest reproduction.

Extreme Polygyny: In one developed colony dozens to hundreds of fertile queens coexist harmoniously. In breeding conditions this number can even reach several thousand. This guarantees rapid growth to tens of thousands of ants in just a few seasons.
Inbreeding Multiplication: The species has reduced mortally risky nuptial flights. Newly hatched young queens and males mate safely in the bowels of the nest. Young queens immediately assimilate with their mothers and join the reproductive machine. An evolutionary system of "genetic cleansing" has eliminated harmful inbreeding mutations from the gene pool. Thanks to this the continuous crossing of closely related individuals inside the nest does not lead to colony weakening or the emergence of genetic defects as is the case in most other animals.
Lack of Hibernation: The tireless year-round biological drive with no overwintering requirements means an uninterrupted view of the dynamic inner life of the nest for the fascinated observer.

Diet: Sugar, Protein and Hunting

This species is an absolute polyphage and an opportunistic scavenger. In the wild they usually protect cultures of honeydew-producing aphids in the tree canopy to bring carbohydrates to the center of the underground. They also clear debris and dead larvae from the surroundings.

In a closed system they rely on a simple base providing carbohydrates (for example natural honeys) which fuels the workers. Such a huge number of queens constantly producing hundreds of eggs translates into a massive protein demand for the colony. These ants are characterized by an extraordinary appetite. After feeding thousands of workers will completely cover the hunted piece. Due to the filigree caliber of the grip of their chitin mandibles the most effective form is to use pre-killing and serve fragmented victims with a breached chitin barrier (cut beetle and cockroach larvae).

Important Breeding Safety Issues

When maintaining an extremely vital population of Monomorium bicolor the top priority is escape prevention. Due to their microscopic size and the instinct developed in the wild for young queens to carry eggs to occupy new nooks (budding) a leaky arena will quickly end up with the settlement of home heating systems for the winter.

Both nests and arenas must be very tight. We highly recommend our formicariums and accessories. We have tested them on much smaller ant species. Thanks to this they provide a guarantee of safety. You can also easily use an open arena provided that its upper edges are carefully secured with talc, PTFE or another effective escape prevention barrier.