Temnothorax brevispinosus

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Hard
• Origin & Habitat: Michoacan, Mexico, highland pine-oak forest at approximately 2700 meters elevation, nesting in rocky soil amongst rocks in open areas ^[1][2][3].
• Colony Type: Unknown, no data on queen number. Based on typical Temnothorax patterns, likely single-queen (monogyne), but this is unconfirmed.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable (only head measurements recorded, ~0.77mm head length). This is a very small ant.
  • Worker: Size data unavailable (only head measurements recorded, ~0.66mm head length). This is a very small ant.
  • Colony: Unknown, no published data. Related species may reach 100-500 workers, but this is speculation.
  • Growth: Unknown, likely moderate based on small Myrmicinae patterns.
  • Development: Unknown, no published data. Inferred from related Temnothorax: possibly 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature. (Development time is guessed from related species. The cool highland habitat may slow development.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Based on highland habitat, keep cool (room temperature ~20°C). Avoid exceeding 25°C. Specific requirements unknown, observe colony for signs of stress ^[1].
  • Humidity: Moderate, not wet. The species nests in rocky soil in open areas, so allow the nest substrate to dry partially between waterings. Overly wet conditions are more dangerous than dry ^[1].
  • Diapause: Likely yes due to highland temperate origin, but unconfirmed. If attempted, provide a mild 2-3 month rest at 10-15°C during winter. Proceed with caution.
  • Nesting: Prefers small cavities. Natural nest sites are among rocks in soil, so a test tube or a compact Y-tong/plaster nest with tight chambers suits them. Provide a dark, snug space ^[1].
• Behavior: This species is not aggressive. They have a modified stinger used to smear venom rather than sting (subfamily trait), but they are docile and will flee when disturbed. Their tiny size (head length ~0.66mm) makes escape prevention essential, use fine mesh. No specific behavioral data exists, so these are general myrmicine patterns.
• Common Issues: tiny size makes escape likely without fine mesh barriers, specific temperature and humidity needs are unknown, trial and error may be needed, wild-caught queens are very rare, almost impossible to find in trade, overheating is a bigger risk than cold, keep below 25°C, overly moist substrate can cause mold or drowning, allow partial drying

Housing and Nest Setup

Temnothorax brevispinosus is tiny (head length ~0.66mm), so start a new queen in a standard test tube setup. Place a test tube with a water reservoir and cotton plug in a dark, undisturbed spot. Once the colony has about 15-20 workers, you can move them to a small formicarium, use a Y-tong or plaster nest with compact chambers scaled to their size. Avoid large open spaces, these ants like snug cavities. A small outworld for foraging completes the setup. Escape prevention is critical: use fine mesh and check for gaps regularly ^[1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This species comes from a high elevation (2700m) in central Mexico, suggesting cool temperatures. Specific requirements are unknown. Keep the nest area at around 20°C (room temperature) and avoid exceeding 25°C, overheating may be fatal. Do not use a heating cable. For winter, a mild hibernation at 10-15°C for 2-3 months may be beneficial, but this is unconfirmed. Monitor your colony and adjust based on behavior ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Like other Temnothorax, these ants are likely omnivorous. Offer small protein sources such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or tiny mealworms twice a week. They should also accept sugar water or diluted honey. Remove uneaten food after 24 hours to prevent mold. During founding, the queen does not need food. Once workers appear, observe their preferences and adjust. There is no published feeding data for this species.

Humidity and Water

The natural habitat is rocky soil in open pine-oak forest, so these ants are adapted to moderate, not high, humidity. Keep the nest substrate lightly moist but allow it to partially dry between waterings. Overly wet conditions are more dangerous than dry. A water tube or shallow dish in the outworld provides drinking water. No specific humidity data exists, start with a test tube gradient and adjust ^[1].

Colony Development and Growth

Since this species is known only from its original collection, no development data exists. Based on related Temnothorax, the queen likely raises her first workers in 6-10 weeks at 20°C (inferred). Colony growth is probably slow and steady, but the maximum size is unknown, related species may reach 100-500 workers over several years. Be patient and minimize disturbance during founding. Once established, growth should be steady.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References