Acromyrmex versicolor

Shipping conditions for A. versicolor

• Shipped exclusively via UPS Express Saver; delivery is usually made the next business day.
• If the queen dies during shipping, a free replacement will be sent.
• Replacement after a failed founding attempt: This applies only if the founding attempt is considered failed after 7 calendar days from delivery have elapsed. In this case, a replacement will be sent; the buyer pays 80% of the original purchase price again; shipping costs will not be charged again.
• It is important that replacement fungus is available before ordering this species

Name: Acromyrmex versicolor
Origin: Southwestern USA (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas)
Queen: approx. 12 – 14 mm
Workers: approx. 5 – 10 mm, polymorphic (various sizes)
Food: Leaves, flower petals and other plant matter for fungus cultivation
Humidity:
• Arena: 30 – 70%
• Fungus chamber: 90 – 99%
Temperature:
• Arena: 22 – 30 °C
• Nest/fungus chamber: 24 – 28 °C
Winter Dormancy: No, but diapause is possible at lower temperatures
Nest Type: Specialized fungus nests with high humidity and ventilation
Colony Size: up to 10,000 workers

Advantages and Disadvantages of Acromyrmex versicolor

Advantages:

Acromyrmex versicolor is a leafcutter ant that offers a unique keeping experience through its fungus farming. It originates from dry regions and is more robust against low humidity than other leafcutter species. Its leaf-transport and fungus-cultivation behaviour is fascinating to observe.

Disadvantages:

Keeping this species requires high standards of humidity and hygiene in the fungus area. Founding is delicate, especially for the fungus. Beginners should read up thoroughly or start with smaller species. A constant supply of suitable plant material is necessary.

Care

During the founding phase, the queen should be kept in a darkened founding box with a small fungus chamber. Later, the colony needs a sophisticated system with separate areas for fungus, waste, and arena. A stable temperature of 24–28 °C in the fungus area and good ventilation are important. The arena can be kept drier. The fungus is the centerpiece – preserving it has the highest priority.

Feeding

The ants feed their fungus with shredded leaves, flowers, rolled oats, or rose petals. Suitable are pesticide-free plants with a soft surface. It is important to feed dry material, such as rose petals.

Fresh material should be offered regularly but removed if mould develops. No sugar water or insects – the colony feeds indirectly via the fungus.