Large Mexican Honeypots (Myrmecocystus mexicanus) for sale at AntGear

Large Mexican Honeypots (Myrmecocystus mexicanus)

(2 customer reviews)

Myrmecocystus mexicanus is a large, blond species of honeypot ant native to the western United States. These ants, known for their sizable colonies, are active during the day as they roam the desert landscape. Available to: AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, TX, UT

This product is currently out of stock and unavailable.

Description

Overview

Myrmecocystus mexicanus is one of the most striking North American ant species of honeypots. They are a beautiful golden-blonde honeypot ant with queens reaching 13–15 mm and workers ranging 4–13 mm. Colonies grow steadily under the right conditions and provide a unique, fascinating display of ant behavior.

Myrmecocystus is a fascinating genus of ants known as honeypots. These ants have specialized “replete” workers that store liquid food in their abdomens. These living storage ants swell dramatically and serve as a food reserve for the colony during times of scarcity.

Native to arid regions, this species thrives in warm, dry environments and offers a unique, visually striking ant-keeping experience. This species is best suited for keepers who want something beyond beginner ants and are interested in observing complex colony behavior.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate

While hardy once established, they require consistent warmth (ideally 85–87 °F), and a steady supply of sugars. Not recommended for absolute beginners, but well within reach for keepers with some experience. These ants do not require hibernation and will grow year-round under warm conditions.

Temperament

This species is generally non-aggressive but may be stressed by vibrations, bright light, or frequent disturbance. They are not especially fast escape artists, but a secure setup is still important.

Feeding

  • Sugars: Keep a constant source of sugar water, honey water, or other sweet liquids available.
  • Protein: Offer insects such as fruit flies, mealworms, or crickets for brood development.
  • Schedule: Sugars available at all times; protein 2–3× per week.

Ant Farm (Habitat)

Honeypot ants do best in a desert-style setup with a warm, dry environment and a small hydrated area.

  • Best kept in a formicarium designed for arid species
  • Use a dry nesting area with a small hydrated zone
  • Outworld should be dry, secure, and well ventilated

Temperature

Provide a warm area around 85–90°F for brood development

Humidity

Avoid overly humid environments. Excess moisture can harm the colony.

Common Challenges

  • Replete Care: Repletes are fragile—avoid vibrations or nest disturbances that can injure them.
  • Temperature Needs: Growth slows significantly if kept too cool; constant warmth is key.
  • Diet Balance: Without steady sugar access, colonies weaken quickly.
  • Transit Sensitivity: Colonies are sensitive to rough handling and extreme temperatures during shipping.

Live Arrival Guarantee

Shipping Info

We have permits to ship these ants to: Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Utah. For more information, see our Permits Page