Description
Name: Novomessor albisetosus
Origin: North America (arid regions, especially southwestern USA)
Queen: approx. 10 – 12 mm
Workers: 5 – 9 mm, Majors up to 11 mm
Diet: Seeds, insects, sugar water
Humidity:
- Arena: 20 – 40 %
- Nest: 40 – 60 %
Temperature:
- Arena: 24 – 32 °C
- Nest: 25 – 30 °C
Hibernation: No, only a light diapause possible
Nest type: Sand-loam nest, Ytong or soil nest
Colony size: up to several thousand workers
Advantages and Disadvantages of Novomessor albisetosus
Advantages:
- Very active, diurnal ants with exciting foraging and digging behavior
- Large majors with impressive heads – visually very attractive
- Robust and well adapted to warm, dry conditions
Disadvantages:
- Require sufficient space and room, as they are very active
- Difficult to keep in cooler regions without technology
Keeping
Novomessor albisetosus is suitable for experienced ant keepers who enjoy a lively species. A test tube is sufficient for founding; later, a larger sand-loam or Ytong nest is necessary. An arena of at least 30×30 cm is recommended, as the ants walk a lot.
Feeding
The species is granivorous, meaning it collects seeds as its main food. Additionally, proteins in the form of small insects (e.g., crickets, cockroaches, flies) should be offered regularly.
Special features
Novomessor albisetosus is an adaptable desert ant, characterized by its large majors and interesting social behavior. Ideal for keepers looking for a visually impressive species that is also easy to observe even with high activity.