Temnothorax affinis - "None"
Temnothorax affinis is a small, arboreal ant species belonging to the subfamily Myrmicinae. Workers typically measure around 2-3.5 millimeters, while queens are slightly larger, ranging from 3.5-4.7 millimeters. Their coloration ranges from yellow to yellowish-brown, with the gaster often a brownish-yellow. These ants are known for their timid and non-aggressive nature, making them suitable for co-housing with other arboreal ant species in the wild. They are also considered trophic generalists, meaning they will scavenge for various food items.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Origin & Habitat: Europe, Asia, North America, Cuba in Arboreal, found in twigs, hollow stems, old beetle galleries, galls, under bark of live trees, under rocks, in leaf litter, and in soil in broad-leaved forests, grasslands, and urban areas..
- Colony Type: Monogyne, with facultative polygyny documented in some instances where multiple queens may be present but only one is actively laying eggs., claustral (without feeding), though new colonies can also be founded through pleometrosis, and new queens may be adopted into existing nests. founding.
- Size & Growth:
- Queen: 3.5-4.7mm
- Worker: 2.3-3.5mm
- Colony: Small (typically less than 100 workers, rarely up to 200-300 workers).. Slow growth.
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: Arena: 18-28°C. Nest: 21-24°C. Optimal temperatures for Temnothorax species in general are between 26-30°C for foraging..
- Humidity: Arena: 30-50%. Nest: 50-60%. High humidity is important, and they can be sensitive to fluctuations..
- Diapause: Required. 5-5 months at 5-8°C.
- Nesting: Builds nests in small cavities such as acorns, hollow nut shells, dead twigs, under bark, or galls. In captivity, acrylic flat nests, Ytong (plaster) nests with small chambers (max 2cm), or test tube setups are suitable..
- Behavior: Low (timid, not aggressive towards handler or other ants) aggressiveness.
- Common Issues: Mold in nest (due to overfeeding or improper humidity), Humidity fluctuations, Colony stalling (if diapause is not provided), Escapes (due to small size and common formicarium gaps), Queen stress (from improper handling or environment).
Temnothorax affinis are renowned for their diminutive size, with workers often measuring less than 4 millimeters. This means they can utilize incredibly small cavities for their nests, like hollow nut shells or tiny crevices in wood. For antkeepers, this translates to needing specialized small formicaria, such as acrylic mini-nests or Ytong setups with very narrow chambers, to prevent escapes and create a secure environment that mimics their natural tiny homes. Standard ant setups often have chambers too large for these little guys.
Despite their small stature, these ants are opportunistic foragers and trophic generalists, meaning they'll readily accept a wide variety of food items. While they're not aggressive predators, they'll scavenge on dead insects and enjoy sweet liquids like honey or sugar water. It's important to provide a diverse diet to ensure all their nutritional needs are met. Be aware that because of their small colony size, they don't consume a large quantity of food, so overfeeding can quickly lead to mold issues in their small nest spaces.
Temnothorax affinis colonies are typically monogynous, meaning they have a single queen. However, in some species within the Temnothorax genus, facultative polygyny has been observed where several queens might be present but only one is actively laying eggs. This social structure can sometimes lead to satellite nests in the wild, where parts of the colony, including brood and workers, reside in separate but connected locations. When collecting from the wild, it's crucial to ensure you have the primary queen to establish a successful colony.
Humidity management is key for these ants. They prefer a nest humidity of 50-60%. Given their small size and the confined spaces they inhabit, maintaining stable humidity can be challenging but is vital to prevent issues like desiccation or mold growth. Regular, small amounts of water in their hydration system are better than infrequent large soakings, which can cause extreme fluctuations.
Temnothorax affinis are a hibernating species, requiring a diapause period from late October to late March at temperatures between 5-8°C. This cooling period is essential for the long-term health and reproductive cycle of the colony. Failing to provide a proper diapause can weaken the queen and shorten the colony's lifespan, potentially leading to a stalled colony or premature queen death.
