Temnothorax bradleyi

Temnothorax bradleyi

Temnothorax bradleyi is a small, reddish-brown ant native to the southeastern United States. Workers measure just 0.83-0.93mm in Weber's length, making them one of the smaller Temnothorax species ^[1]. They have a rich ferrugineous (rusty) red coloration with 11-segmented antennae and distinctive propodeal spines that are stout and roughly equal to the distance between their bases ^[1]. Queens are larger at 1.33mm alitrunk length with coarser longitudinal rugae on the head ^[2]. This species is a member of the rugatulus clade and is closely related to Temnothorax smithi, though T. bradleyi is smaller with shorter propodeal spines ^[1].

What makes T. bradleyi stand out is its arboreal nesting habit, these ants nest exclusively under the bark of living pine trees, specifically in flat, well-defined galleries about one meter above ground level ^[2]. They are part of the longleaf pine ecosystem and prefer open areas with Pinus elliottii and P. palustris ^[1]. The species is considered uncommon, and colonies are rarely accessible since they nest in tree bark rather than soil or rotting wood ^[2].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Southeastern United States, Central Florida north into Georgia, west to Alabama and Louisiana, likely also in the Carolinas ^[1][3]. They inhabit the longleaf pine ecosystem, nesting under bark of large living pines (Pinus elliottii and P. palustris) in open areas ^[1].
• Colony Type: Single-queen colonies (monogyne). One documented colony contained 1 dealate queen,42 workers,2 males, and brood ^[2]. The colony structure appears to be simple single-queen with no documented ergatoid replacement reproductives for this species.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 1.33mm alitrunk length (Wilson 1952), estimated 5-6mm total length
  • Worker: 0.83-0.93mm Weber's length ^[1], approximately 2.5-3mm total length
  • Colony: Up to at least 42 workers in wild colonies ^[2]. Likely smaller colonies typical of arboreal Temnothorax species.
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for small Myrmicinae ants
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on typical Temnothorax genus patterns at optimal temperature (Development time is estimated from related species. No specific studies on T. bradleyi development.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20-24°C. As a southeastern US species from Florida and Georgia, they prefer warm conditions but not extreme heat. Room temperature (20-22°C) is suitable, with a slight gradient if possible.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 50-60%. Being arboreal nesters under bark, they prefer drier conditions than ground-nesting ants. Allow the nest to dry out between waterings.
  • Diapause: Likely requires a mild winter rest period (diapause). As a species from the southeastern US with temperate origins, they probably benefit from 2-3 months at 10-15°C during winter.
  • Nesting: Arboreal specialists. Provide a naturalistic setup with flat stones, cork, or bark pieces, or a Y-tong/plaster nest with narrow chambers. They prefer tight spaces scaled to their tiny size. Avoid soil-based setups.
• Behavior: Generally peaceful and non-aggressive. Workers are small and timid, foraging primarily on tree trunks and branches. They are attracted to sweet baits like peanut butter and jelly in the wild ^[1]. Escape prevention is critical due to their tiny size, they can squeeze through very small gaps. They are not known to sting and pose no danger to keepers.
• Common Issues: tiny size means escapes are likely without fine mesh barriers, arboreal nesting means they need different setup than typical soil nests, uncommon in the hobby, wild colonies are difficult to locate, slow colony growth may frustrate beginners, they may not accept typical test tube setups due to arboreal nature

Housing and Nest Setup

Temnothorax bradleyi requires an arboreal-style setup rather than typical soil nests. In the wild, they nest under bark on living pine trees in flat galleries about one meter above ground ^[2]. For captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest with narrow chambers works well, or a naturalistic setup using flat stones, cork, or bark pieces to simulate their natural arboreal microhabitat ^[4]. The chambers should be tight and scaled to their tiny 2.5-3mm worker size. Avoid tall, open spaces, these ants prefer tight, flat galleries. A small outworld area allows for foraging. Because of their minute size, escape prevention must be excellent, use fine mesh and tight-fitting lids.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, T. bradleyi is attracted to sweet baits like peanut butter and jelly on tree trunks ^[1]. This suggests they readily accept sugar sources. They likely also forage for small insects and honeydew like other small Myrmicinae. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey regularly, along with small protein sources like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or other tiny arthropods. Given their small size, prey items should be appropriately sized, springtails and aphids are good options. Feed small amounts every 2-3 days and remove uneaten food to prevent mold.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep the nest area at 20-24°C, which matches their native Florida-Georgia climate ^[1]. Room temperature in most homes is suitable. A slight temperature gradient allows the colony to self-regulate. During winter, provide a mild diapause period of 2-3 months at 10-15°C, this is typical for temperate ant species and helps trigger proper seasonal cycles. Do not cool them below 10°C or expose them to freezing temperatures. They are adapted to the warm, humid southeastern US and do not require extreme heat.

Colony Dynamics

T. bradleyi forms single-queen colonies (monogyne). One documented wild colony contained 1 queen,42 workers,2 males, and brood ^[2]. This is a relatively small colony size, typical of arboreal Temnothorax species. Queens are claustral founders, they seal themselves in a chamber and raise the first brood alone using stored fat reserves, not leaving to forage. First workers (nanitics) will be smaller than normal workers. Growth is moderate, expect several months from founding to first workers, then slow but steady growth thereafter. Colonies likely max out around 50-100 workers in captivity.

Behavior and Temperament

These are peaceful, non-aggressive ants. Workers are tiny and timid, spending most of their time foraging on vertical surfaces (tree trunks in the wild). They do not have a functional stinger, Myrmicinae in the Crematogastrini tribe rely on biting and chemical defenses rather than stinging. They pose no danger to keepers. However, their minute size means they are excellent escape artists. Always use fine mesh (at least 0.5mm) and check for any gaps in your setup. They are not defensive and can be observed easily once established. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References