Temnothorax haveni

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Hong Kong SAR, China, found in semi-open to closed canopy secondary forests across the territory. Expected to also occur in neighboring Guangdong Province ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Unknown, no queens have ever been collected to determine colony structure ^[1][2].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Undescribed, no queens have been collected to date ^[1][2].
  • Worker: 1.99-2.22 mm total length ^[1][2].
  • Colony: Unknown, no colonies have ever been collected ^[1][2].
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: 6-10 weeks (estimated based on related Temnothorax species). (Development time is unconfirmed for this species, estimates from genus patterns.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: 22-26°C, inferred from Hong Kong's subtropical climate ^[1][2]. Offer a gradient so workers can self-regulate.
  • Humidity: Moderate to high, based on habitat in semi-open to closed canopy forests ^[1][2]. Keep nest substrate lightly moist but not waterlogged, good ventilation is essential.
  • Diapause: Unlikely, Hong Kong has no true winter. Colonies may slow down during cooler months, but no diapause is expected ^[1][2].
  • Nesting: Likely arboreal in the wild. In captivity, start with a small test tube or a Y-tong nest with tight chambers scaled to their 2 mm size. Avoid large open spaces.
• Behavior: Shy and skittish, workers retreat when disturbed. They use a smearing venom (typical of Crematogastrini), which is harmless to humans. Their tiny size (under 2.5 mm) makes escape prevention critical, use fine mesh and tight barriers.
• Common Issues: tiny size makes escape prevention critical, they can squeeze through standard barrier gaps., unknown founding requirements, no queens or colony founding has ever been observed., no established captive breeding, the species is virtually unavailable in the hobby., wild-caught workers may be stressed from arboreal collection methods., lack of data on diet, humidity, and temperature preferences means care is experimental.

Discovery and Naming

Temnothorax haveni was described in 2023,the first Temnothorax recorded in Hong Kong despite decades of ant surveys ^[1][2]. The name 'haveni' refers to Hong Kong as a biodiversity haven, 40% of the territory is protected for conservation ^[1][2]. The holotype was collected at Aberdeen Reservoir, Hong Kong Island, in June 2017,and paratypes were gathered from eight locations across the region through 2022 ^[1][2].

Identification and Appearance

Workers measure 1.99-2.22 mm total length, with a uniform yellowish-ochre body and dark brown patches on the sides of the gaster ^[1][2]. The head and mesosoma are smooth and glossy (glabrate), unlike the punctate (rough) surfaces of similar species like Temnothorax zhejiangensis ^[1][2]. They have long, curved propodeal spines and a distinct mesosomal shape: a convex promesonotum followed by a depression that forms a weak dome ^[1][2].

Habitat and Foraging

This species appears to be predominantly arboreal. Workers have been collected from leaf litter, ground bait, and also from 20 meters up in a tree via arboreal baiting ^[1][2]. Additional specimens were found on a waist-high handrail and in a flight interception trap hung at head height ^[1][2]. No complete nests have been found in ground-level surveys, suggesting they nest in elevated locations like tree hollows or under bark ^[1][2]. In captivity, provide vertical climbing options.

Distribution

Temnothorax haveni has been recorded across most larger islands and continental areas of Hong Kong SAR, from 38 m elevation at Mui Wo to 391 m at The Peak ^[1][2]. All collection sites are secondary forests, and researchers expect the species to also occur in nearby Guangdong Province due to similar climate and habitats ^[1][2].

Temperature and Care

Based on its subtropical Hong Kong habitat ^[1][2], keep temperatures around 22-26°C with a gentle gradient. Humidity should be moderate to high, mimic a closed-canopy forest floor. No diapause is expected, though activity may drop in cooler months. Because much about this species is unknown, monitor your colony closely and adjust based on its behavior.

Housing and Nesting

Given the species' likely arboreal nature and tiny size, start with a small test tube or Y-tong nest with chambers scaled to 2 mm ^[1][2]. Tight seals and excellent escape prevention are non-negotiable, these ants can squeeze through tiny gaps. Provide a water tube for humidity. If they show a preference for climbing, add small twigs or vertical surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References