Trichomyrmex almosayari

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Central Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Province. Found in Rawdhat Khorim (25.38°N,47.28°E,560-670 m elevation), a 24 km² protected area with 153 plant species, and Rawdhat Al Sabalah near Al Zulfi ^[1][2]. They forage on dry sandy soil around Rhazya stricta shrubs in desert scrubland.
• Colony Type: Unknown, colony structure has not been documented. The genus Trichomyrmex includes both single-queen and multi-queen species, but specific data for T. almosayari is not available.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Not yet described, queen measurements are unavailable ^[1][2]
  • Worker: 2.60-2.92 mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, only small numbers have ever been collected ^[2]
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, no development data exists. Based on typical Myrmicinae patterns and their small size, expect roughly 4-8 weeks at warm temperatures, but this is an estimate. (No direct observations of colony development exist. The very small colony sizes found in the wild suggest slow growth.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Inferred from native habitat: aim for 26-30°C with a warm gradient. Native Saudi Arabian summers often exceed 40°C. Provide a heating cable on one side creating a warm zone around 28-30°C ^[1].
  • Humidity: Keep relatively dry, these ants live in arid, sandy conditions. The nest area should be dry to slightly moist, never wet. Provide a water tube for drinking but avoid high humidity. Think desert conditions, not tropical rainforest ^[1].
  • Diapause: Likely minimal or none, Saudi Arabia has mild winters with temperatures rarely below 10°C. A short rest period (4-6 weeks at 15-18°C) may be beneficial but is not strictly required. Monitor colony activity ^[1].
  • Nesting: Based on their natural habitat: dry, sandy soil with sparse vegetation. In captivity, a naturalistic setup with dry sandy substrate works. Y-tong (AAC) nests with minimal moisture are also suitable given their desert origins. Avoid damp, mold-prone setups.
• Behavior: These are tiny, non-aggressive ants that forage individually on the ground. Their small size (under 3 mm) means they cannot sting effectively, they have a stinger but it is too small to penetrate human skin. Escape prevention is critical, they can squeeze through standard barrier gaps. Use fine mesh and tight-fitting lids. They are not aggressive and will flee rather than fight when threatened. Likely omnivorous, scavenging small insects, honeydew, and seeds like other Trichomyrmex ^[1].
• Common Issues: extreme rarity makes obtaining this species nearly impossible, only a handful of specimens have ever been collected, tiny size means escapes are likely without fine mesh barriers and proper sealing, no captive breeding data exists, wild-caught colonies may struggle in captivity, desert species is sensitive to excess moisture and may develop mold in damp setups, lack of published care information means keepers are essentially pioneering husbandry

Discovery and Rarity

Trichomyrmex almosayari was first described in 2016,making it a very recent addition to the antkeeping hobby ^[1]. The species is known from just two locations in central Saudi Arabia: Rawdhat Khorim (type locality) and Rawdhat Al Sabalah near Al Zulfi ^[1]. Despite multiple collecting attempts, researchers have been unable to find additional specimens, suggesting it is genuinely rare in the wild ^[2]. If you acquire this species, you may be working with one of the few captive colonies worldwide.

The species was named to honor Dr. Mohammed Sayed Almosayar (1948-2008), an Egyptian Islamic writer ^[2]. The type specimens were collected from sandy soil around Rhazya stricta, a tough desert shrub ^[1].

Natural Habitat and Adaptations

In the wild, Trichomyrmex almosayari lives in desert scrubland of central Saudi Arabia at elevations around 560-670 meters ^[1]. Rawdhat Khorim, where they were first found, is a protected area with diverse plant life (153 species across 32 families) despite the arid conditions ^[1]. These ants forage on dry sandy soil, often around the base of shrubs where some shade and moisture accumulate.

One adaptation is their psammophore, a brush of specialized J-shaped hairs under the head that helps carry sand grains ^[1]. Their large reniform (kidney-shaped) eyes are also distinctive, with a concave lower edge and convex upper edge that helps separate them from related species ^[1].

For captive care, replicate these desert conditions: dry, well-draining substrate, warm temperatures, and minimal humidity. They coexist in the wild with other desert ants including Camponotus sericeus, Cataglyphis semitonsa, Messor ebeninus, Messor minor, Monomorium venustum, Monomorium abeillei, and Trichomyrmex mayri ^[1].

Housing and Setup

Given their desert origins, Trichomyrmex almosayari needs a dry, warm setup. A naturalistic terrarium with sandy substrate works well, use fine sand or a sand-soil mix that drains quickly. Avoid compact, damp soil that can cause mold. A Y-tong (AAC) formicarium with minimal water is also appropriate.

Because they are extremely small (under 3 mm), escape prevention is critical. Standard test tube barriers may not hold them, use fluon-coated barriers and seal all connections. An outworld with a tight-fitting lid is essential. Provide a shallow water dish or damp cotton ball for drinking.

Temperature should be warm: 26-30°C in the nest area with a gradient. A small heating cable on one side works well. Keep humidity low, the nest should be dry, with only a small water source for drinking ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

While specific feeding observations don't exist for Trichomyrmex almosayari, related Trichomyrmex species are omnivorous scavengers. In the wild, they likely forage for small insects, honeydew from aphids, and seeds. For captivity, offer a varied diet: small insects (fruit flies, pinhead crickets, tiny mealworms), occasional honey or sugar water, and protein-rich foods.

Feed small prey items appropriate to their tiny size, fruit flies and springtails are ideal. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Sugar water or honey can be offered occasionally, but protein should form the bulk. Feed every 2-3 days, adjusting based on colony size. Start with small amounts and observe what they accept ^[1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As desert ants from central Saudi Arabia, Trichomyrmex almosayari prefers warm conditions. Keep the nest at 26-30°C during the active season, with a slight temperature gradient. Summer temperatures in their native range regularly exceed 40°C, so they handle warmth well. Always provide cooler areas so workers can regulate.

Winter care is straightforward, Saudi Arabia has mild winters. A brief rest period at 15-18°C for 4-6 weeks during winter months may be beneficial but is not strictly required. Reduce feeding during this period. Monitor colony activity: if workers become sluggish, they may want cooler conditions. Avoid temperatures below 15°C for extended periods ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References