Messor angularis is a beautiful and robust harvester ant species from East Africa, known for its deep black body and striking red head. With their hardy nature and grain-based diet, they make an excellent choice for beginners and experienced keepers alike, especially those looking to keep a species from outside Europe.
Pictures: @photography_by_gus
Messor angularis
Native to Kenya and Tanzania, Messor angularis inhabits dry savannas and sandy steppe landscapes. Colonies are monogynous, typically reaching several thousand workers. Workers are strongly polymorphic, ranging from 3–12 mm, while queens measure around 14–15 mm. These ants primarily collect and store seeds, which they process into nutrient-rich "ant bread" using their strong mandibles. While they are granivorous, they also supplement their diet with insects and only rarely drink honey water, preferring to obtain moisture through seeds and prey.
