Solenopsis molesta (Thief Ant)

Solenopsis molesta, the thief ant, is one of the smallest, but also underrated ants. They're called molesta for a fairly good reason. One of their main food sources comes from going into the brood chambers of other ants, paralyzing the workers, and making off with the brood. These queens are just 3-4mm long, and workers can be as small as 1mm. They require very high humidity and will dry out easily, but are otherwise a fun and easy to keep species. 

You might be wondering why we only sell queens in multiples, and not one-by-one. In our experience, Solenopsis molesta seems to more than double the survival rate and worker count when in multiples. However, I do not recommend founding queens in groups of larger than 5 queens. Rather, for a larger colony, keep groups of 5, and merge them right as workers begin to emerge.

Test tube inserts are upgrades to the test tube setups provided. If purchased, they come with a dark hood to lower light levels for the colony, an insert which provides a living space, and a feeding insert to provide food for the colony.

Ungrouted inserts are a blank plastic insert which helps provide a more suitable space for the ants to grip (as opposed to glass tubes), while grouted inserts are bedded with a substrate which helps distribute humidity more evenly throughout the test tube, and helps certain ants create their cocoons more easily. Overall, grouted inserts are more comfortable for the ants.

You will NOT need an insert for colonies in test tubes, but it does help for certain species. IF you are moving the ants into a nest immediately, do NOT get a test tube insert.

Hey! This is a live product. If you are purchasing ants during the winter months, please remember to purchase the "Winter Shipping (Live Guarantee) (72 hour heat pack + 1 inch foam cushion)" in order to guarantee the order.

Just a warning, we will NOT ship live ants into the US unless the receiver has a permit. If such an order is made, it will be refunded, minus a 10% processing fee and restocking fee

This product is from Canada Ant Colony. The full catalogue, including all variants, can be found at https://canada-ant-colony.com