Tetramorium nassonowii

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Montane rainforests and rainforest belt of eastern Madagascar,425-1700 m elevation, predominantly above 1000 m. Inhabits leaf litter and ground substrates ^[1].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, likely monogyne based on typical Tetramorium patterns, but no direct evidence is available ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, queen measurements are not reported. Estimated 6-8 mm based on related Tetramorium species (inferred) ^[1].
  • Worker: Unknown, the only available measurement is head length (0.82-0.96 mm), not total body length. Inferred at 2-4 mm from related species ^[1].
  • Colony: Unknown, inferred from genus patterns to be up to several hundred workers ^[1].
  • Growth: Moderate (estimated)
  • Development: 6-10 weeks at 22-26°C (estimated from related Tetramorium) ^[1]. (No specific developmental data exists for this species. Temperature strongly affects speed.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: 22-26°C, based on montane rainforest habitat. Avoid sustained temperatures above 28°C ^[1].
  • Humidity: High, keep substrate consistently damp but not waterlogged. Aim for 70-85% relative humidity ^[1].
  • Diapause: Unknown. Madagascar’s subtropical climate suggests a possible mild winter rest, if the colony slows down, reduce to 15-18°C for 2-3 months. Not confirmed ^[1].
  • Nesting: Naturalistic setups with deep moist soil/sand mix (5-10 cm), Y‑tong, or plaster nests. Test‑tubes work for founding colonies ^[1].
• Behavior: Docile and non‑aggressive toward keepers. Workers are small and active foragers, accepting both protein and sugar. Escape prevention is essential, use fine mesh and tight barriers because they can squeeze through tiny gaps. They may bite but do not deliver a painful sting. Moderate climbers ^[1].
• Common Issues: small size makes escape prevention critical, use fine mesh barriers, high humidity needs can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, limited availability of this species in the hobby, temperature sensitivity, overheating above 28°C can kill the colony, unknown founding behavior may complicate colony start-up

Housing and Nest Setup

Replicate their natural leaf‑litter habitat. Use a mix of 70% soil and 30% sand, kept consistently damp, with a depth of at least 5-10 cm for tunneling. For founding colonies, a test‑tube with a water reservoir works well. Once the colony reaches 20+ workers, transition to a naturalistic or Y‑tong nest. Add leaf litter or small pieces of decaying wood on the surface to maintain humidity and provide foraging cover. Ensure all chambers and passages are appropriately sized for small workers. A hydration system (e.g., water tower or moist cotton) helps maintain the needed humidity ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Generalist feeders that accept both protein and sugars. Offer small insects such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or chopped mealworms 2-3 times per week. Provide a constant sugar source (sugar water, honey, or diluted honeydew). Remove uneaten food after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Because workers are small, ensure prey items are tiny and easy to handle ^[1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Maintain a temperature of 22-26°C. Avoid exceeding 28°C, as this can stress or kill the colony. Provide a slight gradient (warmer on one side, cooler on the other) so the ants can self‑regulate. If the colony shows reduced activity in winter, you can lower the temperature to 15-18°C for 2-3 months, this mild winter rest simulates their natural seasonal cycle, though it is not confirmed necessary. Observe your colony and adjust accordingly ^[1].

Humidity Management

High humidity (70-85%) is essential. The substrate should feel damp when squeezed but not release water. Mist the enclosure regularly and maintain a deep substrate layer to retain moisture. In test‑tube setups, use a large water reservoir. Poor humidity leads to failed broods, however, balance with good ventilation to avoid mold. If condensation constantly pools on the nest walls, reduce watering ^[1].

Colony Founding

Founding behavior is unconfirmed for this species. Based on the genus, queens likely seal themselves in a chamber and raise the first brood without foraging (claustral), but this has not been documented. Provide a dark, humid, undisturbed founding chamber. At 22-26°C, first nanitic workers may appear after 4-6 weeks (estimate). Do not disturb the queen during this period, vibration or light can cause brood abandonment or cannibalism. Once 20+ workers are present, start offering small food near the nest entrance ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References