Temnothorax nassonovi

Temnothorax nassonovi

Temnothorax nassonovi is a small myrmicine ant belonging to the Palearctic clade of the genus Temnothorax. Workers measure around 3-4mm with a distinctive color pattern: the mesosoma is yellow to brownish-yellow while the head and gaster are brown to dark brown ^[1]. This species inhabits steppe and dry meadow habitats across a vast range from eastern Ukraine to the Pacific Ocean, including Mongolia, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, and much of Russia ^[2][3]. Nests are built directly in soil, making them ground-nesting ants of open, sunny habitats ^[2][4].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Steppe and forest-steppe zones from eastern Ukraine to the Pacific Ocean, including Mongolia, Korea, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan ^[2][3]. This is a xerophilic (dry-loving) species typical of steppe habitats across the Baikal region and Central Asia ^[4][5].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is not well documented in scientific literature. Based on typical Temnothorax patterns, this species likely forms single-queen colonies (monogyne). Ergatoid (wingless replacement queens) have not been documented for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Approximately 5-6mm (estimated based on genus patterns)
  • Worker: Approximately 3-4mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Likely small to moderate, typical of Temnothorax species, likely under 500 workers
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: 6-10 weeks (estimated based on related Temnothorax species) (Development time is inferred from genus-level data as no species-specific study exists)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20-24°C. As a steppe species from temperate regions, they can tolerate some temperature variation but prefer warmer conditions ^[4]. A gentle heating gradient on one side of the nest allows workers to regulate their temperature.
  • Humidity: Low to moderate. This is a xerophilic species adapted to dry steppe conditions, keep the nest substrate slightly dry, not damp. Allow portions of the nest to dry out completely between waterings.
  • Diapause: Yes. As a species from temperate steppe regions with cold winters, colonies require a winter dormancy period. Reduce temperature to 5-10°C for 2-3 months during winter.
  • Nesting: Soil-nesting species. In captivity, a naturalistic setup with a soil chamber or a Y-tong (AAC) nest works well. Provide a layer of dry to slightly moist substrate that they can excavate or move through.
• Behavior: Generally peaceful and non-aggressive. Workers are small but active foragers. They are opportunist feeders, likely collecting nectar, honeydew, and small insects in the wild ^[6][7]. Escape risk is moderate due to their small size, use standard barrier methods. They are not known to sting and rely on chemical defenses like most Myrmicinae.
• Common Issues: colonies may fail if kept too damp, this is a dry-adapted species, winter dormancy is essential for long-term colony health, small colony size means growth appears slow, patience is required, test tube setups may need modification to provide drier conditions than typical for many ants, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that can devastate captive populations

Natural History and Distribution

Temnothorax nassonovi is a steppe-adapted ant with one of the widest distributions among Palearctic Temnothorax species. Its range stretches from eastern Ukraine all the way to the Pacific Ocean, including Russia, Mongolia, Korea, and Kyrgyzstan ^[2][3]. This species is a xerophile, it thrives in dry, open habitats like steppe grasslands and dry meadows ^[4][5]. Unlike many forest-dwelling Temnothorax species that nest in acorns or rotting wood, T. nassonovi builds its nests directly in soil ^[2]. Research shows it is an opportunist species, it can exploit a variety of resources and habitats, which explains its vast range across different climate zones ^[6][7]. The species has been found nesting alongside Temnothorax mongolicus in Russia, though the nature of this cohabitation is unclear, one may potentially be an inquiline (nest guest) of the other ^[8].

Housing and Nest Setup

Since T. nassonovi is a soil-nesting species from dry habitats, provide a nest with a soil or sandy substrate that can remain relatively dry. A naturalistic setup with a soil chamber works well, mix fine sand and soil, lightly compact it, and allow it to dry partially. Y-tong (AAC) nests are also suitable if you provide a dry outworld and keep the nest itself on the drier side. Avoid overly damp conditions, this species is adapted to steppe dryness and will struggle in constantly moist environments. The outworld should have a shallow water dish and can be decorated with small stones or fake plants. Because workers are small (3-4mm), ensure any gaps in your setup are sealed to prevent escapes. ^[2][8]

Feeding and Diet

Like most Temnothorax species, T. nassonovi is an opportunist that accepts a varied diet. Offer sugar sources regularly, a drop of honey water or sugar water is usually readily accepted. For protein, provide small insects like fruit flies, small crickets, or mealworm pieces. In the wild, these ants likely forage for nectar, honeydew from aphids, and small arthropods ^[6][7]. Feed small portions 2-3 times per week and remove uneaten protein within 24 hours to prevent mold. A constant sugar source (honey water) should be available. This species is not a specialized predator, so standard ant feeding protocols work well.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep colony enclosures at 20-24°C for optimal activity and brood development. As a species from temperate steppe regions, T. nassonovi experiences distinct seasons in the wild and requires a winter dormancy period in captivity. During autumn, gradually reduce temperatures over 2-3 weeks, then maintain 5-10°C for 2-3 months through winter. This mimics the natural cold period they would experience in their native range. Do not feed during deep winter dormancy, but a small water source can be provided. In summer, normal room temperatures are generally acceptable, though they will be more active at the warmer end of their range. ^[2][4]

Colony Development

Temnothorax colonies typically start slowly. A newly mated queen will seal herself in a small chamber (claustral founding) and raise her first brood using stored fat reserves. The first workers, called nanitics, are often smaller than subsequent generations. Expect 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperatures, though this is estimated from genus-level data rather than species-specific research. Colonies grow gradually over several years, typically reaching a few hundred workers at maturity. The small colony size makes them manageable but requires patience, do not expect rapid exponential growth. Requeening (replacement reproductives) may occur if the primary queen dies, though this is not well documented for this specific species. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References