The crown jewel of North American honeypot ants. Myrmecocystus mexicanus is famous for its golden, honey-filled repletes — living storage workers that hang from the nest ceiling like amber beads. These are not founding colonies. Each listing below is an established, one-of-a-kind colony with a laying queen, an active worker force, and brood in all stages — ready to display and grow on day one.

Built for serious keepers, educators, and institutions who want an active, established colony without the multi-year wait.

✅ What's Included:

• Established colony with laying queen, workers, and brood in all stages

• Early to advanced replete development — the signature honeypot display

• Dual test tube setup with anti-flood transit tube and hydration reservoir

• Step-by-step transfer and care support — just reach out

🧬 About the Species:

• The largest and most iconic honeypot ant in the U.S.

• Striking coloration and dramatic, honey-filled repletes

• Desert-adapted — thrives in warm, arid setups

• Colonies can grow into the thousands

⚠️ Ships only to: California, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Utah, and Idaho.

Orders placed from states not listed above will be automatically canceled, or — at our discretion — substituted with a species we are licensed to ship to your state. Cancellations due to state restrictions are subject to a 15% restocking fee.

Overnight shipping is required on all institution grade colonies.