Odontomachus haematodus

Odontomachus haematodus is a species of snapping jaw ant that is very easy to keep. As the name suggests, they have powerful mandibles that can pierce even an adult mealworm. They are easy to observe while hunting, usually in small groups of 2-4 workers. Occasionally, however, they also hunt alone.

husbandry information
- Lat. Name = Odontomachus haematodus
- Origin = South America, Argentina
- Colony form = monogynous
- Queen = brownish-black, approx. 12mm in size
- Workers = brownish, red-yellow legs approx. 10mm in size
- Soldiers = not available
- Food = insects, optimally live and varied offer,
Feed sugar water solution, occasionally offer honey
- Arena = 18-30 degrees 50-70% humidity
- Nest area = 24-28 degrees 60-80% humidity
- Hibernation = None
- Substrate = Sand-clay mixed with coconut humus is recommended, plus bark, wood
- Activity = crepuscular
- Behavior = Very aggressive
- Development = 5-7 weeks from egg to worker (temperature dependent)
- Max. colony size = several hundred animals