Odontomachus Rixosus – Red Asian Trapjaw - Intermediate species
 
 
The checklist species- Intermediate When creating our checklists for dream species, trapjaws are typically high up on that list. Lousy at climbing but fantastic at flying they are one of the most intriguing and fascinating species we could keep and they are very very “jumpy” as they use the spring-loaded action of their jaws to do so.
 
Trapjaw ants are calculated solo hunters, they are precise and aware of their surroundings. You will notice this with how they walk with purpose, jaws open 180 degrees and the "trap" set. Their jaws are locked in place ready while on patrol and with a single brush of their sensory hairs they snap shut at incredible speeds. So incredible in fact that some species jaws close at around 140mph.
 
With this power however comes both a blessing and a curse, when angled correctly a trapjaw worker can snap their jaws shut with so much force they can propel their entire body up to 6 inches. The blessing is that it can get them out of danger quickly, the curse is for us keepers... a high rock in your outworld and an open top could see Odontomachus in your socks (or in my case, on my head).
 
Despite being solo hunters they can rally quickly at a sign of trouble to defend their nest and once latched on to their target they can inject a powerful sting to incapacitate their attackers. This sting comes in handy while hunting too as Rixosus will quite happily fight and win anything that can lock in their jaws. It is worth noting that these colonies require large amounts of proteins.
 
Rixosus are ground dwellers and prefer to nest in a more nomad way, they construct simple nests in leaf litter or by utilising other insects burrows in ground level wood. They like humidity on the higher side and will always nest in a shady area.
 
This species will need feeding while founding and delivers a sting. They can also propel themselves suprising distances and this should be considered when making their home.
 
Queen
Polygyne - Multiple queens per nest
Semi Claustral - Needs food while founding
Colony
Size - 500 to 800 workers
Worker - 6mm to 10mm
Queen - 8mm to 11mm
Temperature & Humidity
Nest - 24 to 28 degrees | Outworld 22 to 30 degrees
Nest 50%-60% | Outworld 30% to 60%
Winter Rest
No
Polymorphic (Different size casts)
No
Sting | Bite | Spray
Can clamp skin if caught in the right place
This species does sting
Diet
Insects, Sugars, Carbs
Nest Type
Sand, Earth, Ytong, Plaster, Glass