Scientific illustration of Temnothorax carinatus ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Temnothorax carinatus

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Temnothorax carinatus
Tribe
Crematogastrini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Cole, 1957
Distribution
Found in 2 countries
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Introduction

Temnothorax carinatus is a small, yellow-brown ant from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Workers are about 2.8mm and queens about 4.5mm in total length . They have 12-segmented antennae and a postpetiole that is 1.5 to 1.65 times wider than the petiole . This species nests under stones in a wide range of habitats, from desert grasslands and juniper forests with cholla cacti to desert riparian sites and pine forests at higher elevations . Colonies are monogyne (single queen) and typically contain 29 to 182 workers .

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Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Origin & Habitat: Southwestern United States (Wyoming, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, western Texas) and northern Mexico (Chihuahua) [1][2]. Found in desert grasslands, juniper forests, desert riparian sites, and pine forests up to 5,400 ft elevation [1].
  • Colony Type: Monogyne, each colony has a single queen [1].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: 4.5mm total length [1]
    • Worker: 2.82mm total length [1]
    • Colony: Up to 182 workers [1]
    • Growth: Moderate
    • Development: 6-10 weeks (estimated based on genus patterns) (No specific data available for this species, range is typical for Temnothorax.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep at room temperature, roughly 20-24°C. They tolerate a range from cooler nights to warmer days, so a gentle temperature gradient works well. Inferred from their diverse habitat.
    • Humidity: Provide a humidity gradient: keep one part of the nest slightly moist and allow the rest to dry partially between waterings. This matches their natural arid to semi-arid habitats [1].
    • Diapause: Yes, based on their range including regions with cold winters (Wyoming, high elevations). Reduce temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months in winter [1].
    • Nesting: Naturally nests under stones. In captivity, use a Y-tong (AAC) nest, plaster nest, or test tube setup with tight, small chambers [1].
  • Behavior: Docile and peaceful. Defense is via a modified stinger that smears venom instead of piercing (smear defense, typical of the Crematogastrini tribe). Due to their tiny size (2.8mm workers), escape prevention is critical, use fine mesh barriers and tight-fitting lids. They are active foragers and use tandem-running to guide nestmates to food (inferred from genus behavior).
  • Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to 2.8mm body size, they can squeeze through tiny gaps, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites that can cause colony failure, test tube water reservoirs can dry out quickly, monitor moisture levels regularly, overwatering can lead to mold in the nest, especially with small colonies

Nest Preferences

In the wild, Temnothorax carinatus nests under stones in habitats ranging from desert grasslands to pine forests [1]. The colonies are small, staying under 200 workers. For captive care, Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests work well because they hold moisture without waterlogging. Test tube setups are also suitable, especially for small colonies. Provide tight, small chambers scaled to their tiny body size, open spaces are not needed. A naturalistic setup with flat stones on soil can mimic their natural nesting. Keep the nest in a quiet area with minimal vibration, as Temnothorax species are sensitive to disturbances.

Feeding and Diet

Temnothorax carinatus is a generalist feeder. Offer sugar water or honey as a constant energy source. Provide small protein sources like fruit flies, springtails, or small crickets twice a week. Because the ants are small, prey should be appropriately sized, wingless fruit flies are ideal. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. A varied diet supports healthy brood development. Some colonies favor honeydew substitutes over sugar water, so try offering both to see what your colony prefers.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This species tolerates a wide temperature range reflecting its diverse habitats [1]. Room temperature (20-24°C) is ideal for active brood development. A heating cable on one side can create a gentle gradient if your room runs cool, but it is not required. Based on their range into cold-winter regions, they likely need a winter diapause. Reduce temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter. During diapause, keep the nest slightly moist but reduce feeding. Resume normal temperatures and feeding gradually in spring to trigger renewed activity.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Temnothorax carinatus is a peaceful ant with a smear defense, they use a modified stinger to wipe venom onto enemies rather than stinging (characteristic of the Crematogastrini tribe). Colonies are monogyne with a single queen and typical wild colony size of 29-182 workers [1]. Workers are active foragers and likely use tandem-running to lead nestmates to food, a common behavior in the genus. Their small size and docile nature make them easy to observe in a formicarium. Avoid frequent vibrations or disturbance, as they are sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep Temnothorax carinatus in a test tube?

Yes, test tubes work well for founding colonies and small established colonies. Use a tube with a water reservoir sealed by cotton to provide a humidity gradient. Because colonies max out around 200 workers, a test tube can house them for a long time. Move to a Y-tong or plaster nest when the colony reaches about 80-100 workers or the tube shows mold or drying issues [1].

How long does it take for Temnothorax carinatus to produce first workers?

The time from founding to first workers is estimated at 6-10 weeks, depending on temperature. This is based on typical Temnothorax development. The queen raises the first brood using her fat reserves, then workers start foraging. The colony stays small (under 50 workers) for the first few months but grows steadily with proper feeding [1].

Do Temnothorax carinatus ants sting?

They do not have a typical piercing sting. Instead, they have a modified stinger that smears venom onto enemies, a smear defense. This is used more as a repellent than a painful sting. They are generally docile and safe to handle, though rough handling might cause them to bite [1].

Are Temnothorax carinatus good for beginners?

Yes, this species is beginner-friendly. They are small but hardy, tolerate a range of conditions, and have simple care needs. The main challenges are escape prevention (due to tiny size) and the moderate growth rate. They don't need special equipment. Note that the founding method is not well documented, so new keepers may need to rely on general Temnothorax advice [1].

Do Temnothorax carinatus need hibernation?

A winter diapause is recommended based on their range, which includes cold-winter regions like Wyoming and high elevations. Lower the temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter (roughly November to February). Keep the nest slightly moist and reduce feeding. This rest period helps maintain a healthy annual cycle [1].

How big do Temnothorax carinatus colonies get?

Wild colonies typically contain 29-182 workers, with 100-150 being common for mature nests [1]. They stay relatively small compared to many ants, which makes them suitable for smaller formicariums.

What do Temnothorax carinatus eat?

They are generalist feeders. Provide a constant sugar source (sugar water or honey) and small protein items like fruit flies, springtails, or small crickets twice a week. Remove uneaten food after 24-48 hours. A varied diet helps brood development [1].

When should I move my colony to a formicarium?

Move to a larger nest when the colony reaches about 80-100 workers or outgrows the test tube. Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests with small chambers are ideal. Make sure the new nest has tight spaces, large open areas are not suitable. A gradual move (e.g., connecting the test tube to the new nest) helps reduce stress [1].

Can I keep multiple queens together?

No, this species is monogyne. Introducing multiple unrelated queens will likely lead to fighting. Only attempt co-founding (pleometrosis) if you have a confirmed polygyne colony, but no evidence exists for this species. Stick to single-queen colonies for best success [1].

Why are my Temnothorax carinatus dying?

Common causes include: escape (use fine mesh), drying out (keep nest slightly moist), mold from overwatering or leftover food (remove uneaten prey), stress from excessive disturbance, or parasites if wild-caught. Provide a humidity gradient, minimize vibrations, and keep the nest clean [1].

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References

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