Mystrium Camillae (Dracula Ant)
Commonly known as the Dracula ant, is one of the most unusual and fascinating species in the ant-keeping world, but it is recommended exclusively for experienced keepers. These ants get their common name from a unique feeding behavior where the adults consume the “blood” (hemolymph) of their own larvae. Unlike many other exotic ants, their care requirements are very specific! The most remarkable feature of Mystrium camillae is its mandibles. Unlike trap-jaw ants that open their jaws wide to snap shut, Mystrium uses a “snap-jaw” mechanism similar to a human finger snap.

The unusual feeding strategy of Mystrium Camillae is where it gets its vampiric name. The adult ants, particularly the queen, practice a form of “nondestructive cannibalism”. Instead of feeding directly on prey, they gently pierce the skin of their own larvae and drink the hemolymph that seeps out. This behavior is not typically fatal to the larvae, though it does slow their development.

What you will get:
1 Queen + 5 to 10 Workers in Test Tube Setup.

If you are considering keeping this species, here are the key specifications you need to know:

From: Southeast Malaysia and other South East Asia countries
Colony Size: Small to medium, typically reaching only a few hundred workers.
Queen Size ~8 – 10 mm
Worker Size ~3 – 6 mm (polymorphic; minors do brood care, majors hunt)
Appearance Dark red to brownish-red, with long, slender mandibles. Their bodies are often covered in soil particles for camouflage.
Difficulty Advanced / Experienced (often categorized as “difficult” due to specific needs)
Temperature 25 – 27°C (nest); 25 – 30°C (outworld)
Humidity Very High: 60% – 80% (requires consistently high humidity)
Nest Type Soil, rotting wood, plaster (needs high moisture retention). They require a naturalistic setup with a deep substrate as they are cryptic, soil-dwelling ants.

!!!NOTE: Due to their high sensitivity and ease of stress, this ant species is not available for postal shipment. It is offered only for local pickup or same-day delivery, where such options are available.!!!