Mystrium camillae – Vampire Ants (Expert Keepers Only)
 
Prepare to be amazed by one of the most extraordinary ants on the planet – Mystrium camillae, also known as the Vampire Ants! These rare, Southeast Asian treasures are a must-have for advanced ant enthusiasts. Their striking bright orange bodies, textured exoskeletons, and fascinating behaviors will make your ant collection the talk of the town.
 
These little hunters are not your average ants. While they primarily feast on small centipedes in the wild, they’ve adapted to happily munch on crickets and fruit flies in captivity. But here's where it gets REALLY interesting: Mystrium camillae have massive, powerful mandibles that they use to capture their prey – centipedes, which they hunt under leaf litter. They then bring their catch back to the nest and feed it to their larvae. But the plot thickens – instead of eating the prey themselves, the workers puncture their larvae and drink the hemolymph (a.k.a. ant "blood")! This unique behavior has earned them their spooky nickname, “Dracula ants.” Don’t worry though, this doesn’t harm the larvae in the slightest – it’s all part of their intricate social system!
 
As if that weren’t enough, Mystrium camillae hold a mind-blowing world record for speed – their jaws are capable of moving faster than almost anything else on Earth, clocking in at a jaw-dropping 200 mph in just 0.000015 seconds. That’s faster than the legendary mantis shrimp! These ants don’t just strike fast – they do it with such force that their jaws bend and snap back with incredible velocity. Talk about a jaw-dropping performance!
 
This species thrives in mature forests, nestled under fallen plant material and large branches. Although they may start out a bit shy during colony foundation, as their numbers grow, they become much more active and visible. You’ll see two types of workers: smaller ones that care for the brood and queen, and larger ones that go on the hunt. A mature colony typically contains between 300 to 400 workers.
 
If you’re an advanced keeper ready for a true challenge, Mystrium camillae will provide you with endless intrigue and amazement. Watch as they work, hunt, and engage in their bizarre, almost alien-like behaviors.
 
Key Details
Distribution: Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia
Colony Size: 300 to 400 workers (mature colony)
Temperature: 24 to 26°C
Humidity: 60-80%
Diet: Small living insects (centipedes, crickets, fruit flies)
Polymorphism: Yes, with visible size differences between worker casts
Bite: One of the fastest bites on Earth, with a painful sting to match!
Nest Type: Natural, Ant Antics V2 range, Earth, or Glass
Queen Size: 7 to 9 mm
Worker Size: 3 to 6 mm
 
If you’re looking for an ant species that will blow your mind and keep you captivated, Mystrium camillae is the one to get. But be warned – this is an expert-level species that demands your attention and care! Are you up for the challenge?