Myrmecocystus wheeleri — Honeypot Colony

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Myrmecocystus wheeleri — a western honeypot, offered as an established colony. One of the genus's most coveted members, famous for its living larders: specialized workers called repletes that swell with golden nectar and hang from the nest ceiling as a living food store.

• You'll receive: an established colony with queen, workers, and brood.
• Founding: Fully claustral — and with an established colony, the hardest founding stage is already behind you.
• Diet: Sugars and nectar (stored in repletes) plus insect protein.
• Range: Southwestern U.S. deserts and chaparral.
• Difficulty: Advanced. Wheeleri is rewarding but demanding — colonies are notoriously tricky to carry through their 3rd and 4th generations, and they require a proper winter diapause (a cool dormant period) each year to stay healthy long-term. This is not a starter colony.
• Before you buy: plan for temperature control and an annual diapause period.

New here? Read our Orange Honeypot care guide →

From their chamber to your door — shipped with care by Royal Chamber Ants.

Native range (U.S.): California, Arizona, Nevada.