Messor capitatus are another fascinating species of European harvester ants with their unique characteristics and behaviors. These ants have a striking appearance, with workers displaying a range of colors from dark brown to reddish hues, and the major workers often sporting a more prominent reddish coloration on their heads and thorax. The size differences between the minor and major workers are also notable, with majors often significantly larger and more robust.
 
As harvester ants, Messor capitatus exhibit a remarkable relationship with seeds, like other Messor species. They are highly efficient foragers, forming intricate trails to collect seeds and other food sources from their surroundings. Watching them in action, especially in their natural habitats in southern Europe, is truly mesmerizing. Their methodical gathering and processing of seeds showcase their incredible organization and resourcefulness.
 
The harvesting process involves carefully removing the outer shells of seeds to access the nutritious seed pulp. They then chew the seeds with their strong mandibles, creating "ant bread," a staple food source for the entire colony, including the queen, workers, and developing brood. Seeds make up most of their diet, often accounting for 60% or more.
 
Messor capitatus are commonly found in countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, thriving in diverse environments like olive groves, rocky terrains, and even urban parks. They adapt well to a variety of conditions, making them a hardy and beginner-friendly species for ant enthusiasts.
What makes Messor capitatus particularly captivating is their industrious nature, combined with their shiny black coloration and size variations among workers. Their love for seeds and fascinating colony dynamics make them an excellent choice for anyone interested in observing and keeping ants.
 
Care Requirements
Keeping Difficulty: Easy (Beginner Friendly)
Colony Form: Monogyne (single queen, polymorphic workers)
Queen Size: 12-15mm (Shiny black)
Worker Size: 4-13mm (Shiny black)
Food: Seeds (included in starter kit), honey water, and insects
Temperature: 18-26°C
Humidity: 50-60%
Founding: Claustral (no feeding required during founding)
Colony Size: 1-10,000 workers
Hibernation: November to end of February at 15°C
 
What You Will Receive:
1x mated queen with eggs, brood, or workers (depending on your selection)
1x pack of seeds
1x pipette for feeding and hydration
Live Arrival Guarantee and 14-Day Additional Warranty
We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee to ensure your queen arrives safely. Each package is carefully packed with double-sided padding and bubble wrap for extra protection. We also provide a 14-day additional warranty if the queen and workers are kept in the original test tube with cotton sealed, following our care guidelines.
Important:
Photographic evidence of the queen in the original test tube is required to validate the guarantee.
Do not transfer the queen or workers to a nest within the first 14 days, as this voids the warranty.
 
Legal and Environmental Responsibility
It is illegal to release non-native species into the wild as they may harm local ecosystems. Please respect this regulation and prioritize environmental stewardship.
Additional Advice
 
For beginners, research and careful adherence to our care guides are crucial. Colonies may fail in the nest due to factors like insufficient water, food, improper temperature, or stress. If issues arise, contact us for guidance, but remember that success in ant keeping often requires patience and learning. We believe in supporting your journey toward becoming a successful ant keeper!