The Gesomyrmex howardi is a fascinating and unusual ant species that stands out for its distinctive appearance and specialised arboreal lifestyle. Belonging to the genus Gesomyrmex, these ants are associated with life in trees, making them an intriguing choice for experienced keepers seeking something beyond conventional ground-nesting species.
With its unusual body shape and specialised adaptations, G. howardi offers a different perspective on ant behaviour and ecology. Arboreal ants can be particularly rewarding to observe as they navigate branches, explore their surroundings and establish nesting sites within a carefully designed enclosure.
This species is very rare and sometimes can be found sold at close to double this price.
Keeping difficulty: Advanced (experienced ant keepers recommended)
Colony form: Monogyne (single queen; best-supported classification)
Queen size: Exact size not reliably established for this species. Colour: orange to amber-brown appearance reported in the genus; confirm against the specimen supplied.
Workers size: Approximately 2–4 mm. Colour: orange to yellowish-brown; size and colour may vary.
Food: Small live or freshly killed insects, such as fruit flies and small crickets, alongside honey water or sugar water. Protein is particularly important.
Temp: 20–26°C as a cautious starting range; species-specific requirements remain poorly documented.
Humidity: Not reliably established. Provide a humid nesting area and a slightly drier, well-ventilated foraging area, avoiding condensation and stagnant air.
Founding: Independent founding; likely claustral, with the queen relying on stored reserves while raising her first workers. Direct species-specific evidence is limited.
Colony size: Approximately 100–250 workers reported as a general estimate
Live arrival guarantee:
We guarantee the live arrival of your Queen they come well packed in our jiffy bags which have two-sided padding as well as an additional layer of bubble wrap around our test tubes. We are the only company in the United Kingdom to offer our live arrival guarantee of your queen as well as an additional 14 days guarantee if the colony if kept in the original test tube for all our European species. Why do we do this? We are confident with our colony’s health and our packaging process as well as our care guides, we also believe in our customers and making sure they have a good ant keeping experience.
Live arrival guarantee we ensure the live arrival of the queen only upon delivery contact us within 24 hours of receiving the Queen dead on arrival with a picture of the dead queen and the original workers. DO NOT TRANSFER THE DEAD QUEEN OR WORKERS TO A NEST AS THIS VOIDS YOUR WARRNTY. For our additional 14-day guarantee for European species the Queen and workers must be kept in the original test tube sealed with the cotton and care sheet instructions followed if you want to keep this additional guarantee do not transfer to a nest or your warranty is VOIDED (we recommend you keep the 14-day warranty).
We have no control over the environment outside the test tube and have no influence in the conditions the responsibility once placed outside the test tube within the 14-day period the responsibility is with the buyer. 9 times out of 10 colonies die in the nest due to lack of water access, food, temperature, oxygen or stress due to vibrations or exposure to excess light. If your colony does fail inside a nest contact us, we can advise what went wrong but it is up to you to buy another ant colony, you will succeed but sometimes it does not work the first time. Research is key to success with ant keeping and follow our guides.
