Meranoplus bicolor, commonly known as shield ants, are a charming species native to Southern Asia. They are recognizable by their red bodies and black gasters, with colonies maturing to contain between 500 and 1,000 workers. These ants are notable for their small, fuzzy appearance due to many tiny hairs along their bodies. Workers are typically 3-4 mm in size, while queens range from 7-9 mm.
Pictures: Jake Martin
Meranoplus bicolor
Meranoplus bicolor ants are endearing and relatively common in their native habitats of Southern Asia. They are slow-growing and non-aggressive, making them a fascinating species to observe. Their unique feature is a modified stinger that can release formic acid when agitated, similar to Crematogaster ants. Despite this, they do not sting, and their bites are harmless.
These ants have a varied diet, accepting a range of foods such as crickets, mealworms, honey, and sugar water. It is crucial to freeze or boil any wild-caught insects before feeding them to the colony to prevent the introduction of mites.
