Tetramorium phasias

Tetramorium phasias

Tetramorium phasias is a small ant species measuring 2.9-3.6mm in worker length, belonging to the Myrmicinae subfamily ^[1]. Workers have a distinctive uniform pale yellow to light brownish-yellow coloration with strong sculptural features on the head and body ^[1]. This species belongs to the bicarinatum species group and is found across the Afrotropical region, including South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo ^[1]. The species was raised from variety to full species status in 1980 by Bolton ^[1].

These ants are forest dwellers that nest in decaying wood both above and below ground level, you might find them in rotten sticks, under bark of dead trees, in rotting logs, or in soil mounds ^[1]. They forage on the ground, in vegetation, and in dead wood above ground. This species was recently recorded in Rwanda's Akagera National Park, expanding its known range ^[2].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Afrotropical region, found in forest habitats across southern and eastern Africa including South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Angola, Zambia, and DRC ^[1][3]
• Colony Type: Monogyne (single-queen colonies), typical for Tetramorium species
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 5-7mm based on genus patterns
  • Worker: 2.9-3.6mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Estimated several hundred workers based on typical Tetramorium colony sizes
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature based on related species (Development time inferred from typical Tetramorium genus patterns)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C, these are warm-adapted African forest ants ^[1]
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (60-80%). Keep the nest substrate moist but not waterlogged. Forest species prefer damp conditions ^[1]
  • Diapause: Not required, being an African species, they do not need true hibernation but may reduce activity in cooler months
  • Nesting: Provide rotting wood pieces, cork, or a plaster/acrylic nest with moist substrate. They naturally nest in decaying wood and soil ^[1]
• Behavior: Workers are small but active foragers. They search for food on the ground and in vegetation. These ants are not aggressive and pose no stinging threat, Myrmicinae have a functional stinger but Tetramorium species are generally docile. Their small size (under 4mm) means escape prevention is important, use fine mesh barriers. They likely feed on small insects, honeydew, and nectar like other Tetramorium species.
• Common Issues: small size makes escape likely without fine mesh barriers, rotten wood nesting requires maintaining appropriate moisture without causing mold, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that can decimate the colony, slow founding phase, queens seal themselves in and may take months to produce first workers, overheating can be fatal, avoid temperatures above 30°C

Housing and Nest Setup

Tetramorium phasias naturally nests in rotting wood and soil, so you have several good options for captivity. A naturalistic setup with pieces of rotting wood, cork, or decaying bark works well, keep these moist but not soggy. Alternatively, a Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nest with a water reservoir works excellently since these ants prefer damp conditions. The nest chambers should be appropriately sized for their tiny 3mm workers, avoid large, open spaces. Since they naturally nest in dead wood above ground, a formicarium with horizontal or slightly elevated chambers mimics their natural setup better than deep vertical nests. Always provide an outworld for foraging ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Like other Tetramorium species, these ants are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. Offer small protein sources such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, mealworms, or other tiny insects. They also consume honeydew and nectar, so sugar water or honey can be offered occasionally. Feed them small prey items appropriate to their size, their workers are only 3mm so the prey should be manageable. Offer protein 2-3 times per week and keep a sugar source available. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold ^[1].

Temperature and Heating

Being an African forest species, Tetramorium phasias prefers warm conditions. Keep the nest at 24-28°C for optimal brood development. You can use a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a gentle temperature gradient, but avoid direct heat that could dry out the nest or cause overheating. Room temperature in the low-to-mid 20s°C may be sufficient if your home is naturally warm. Monitor colony behavior, if workers cluster consistently in one area, they may be seeking warmer or cooler microclimates. Never exceed 30°C as this can be fatal ^[1].

Humidity Management

These forest ants need moderate to high humidity. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist, it should feel damp to the touch but not have standing water. If using a test tube setup, ensure the water reservoir is appropriately sized to maintain humidity without flooding. For naturalistic or plaster nests, check regularly that the substrate hasn't dried out. Mist the outworld occasionally but avoid letting water pool in the nest area. Good ventilation helps prevent mold while maintaining humidity. The key is consistency, sudden swings in moisture stress colonies ^[1].

Colony Founding

Queens are claustral, they seal themselves into a small chamber and raise the first brood without leaving to forage. The queen uses her stored fat reserves to survive and feed the larvae until the first workers (nanitics) emerge. This process typically takes 6-8 weeks but can take longer if temperatures are suboptimal. During founding, keep the queen undisturbed in a dark, quiet location with stable temperature and humidity. Do not check on her frequently as vibrations and light can stress her. Once the first workers emerge, you can begin offering tiny food items, but the colony will remain small for several months ^[1].

Behavior and Temperament

Tetramorium phasias workers are small, active foragers that search for food both on the ground and in vegetation. They are not aggressive and pose no real danger to keepers, while Myrmicinae have stingers, this species is docile. Their small size means they can slip through standard barrier setups, so use fine mesh (at least 0.5mm) on all openings. Workers are fast-moving and may be skittish when the nest is disturbed. They establish moderate-sized colonies over time. The species is newly recorded in Rwanda ^[2], expanding understanding of its range.

Frequently Asked Questions

References