Temnothorax almeqeri

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Asir Mountains, Saudi Arabia (Afrotropical Region) at 2240m elevation. Found under stones in dry mountainous terrain with Acacia and Tamarix vegetation ^[1].
• Colony Type: Unknown, only a single worker is known. Based on genus patterns, likely single-queen colonies with small colony size (under 100 workers) ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, queen has not been described ^[1]
  • Worker: Approximately 3-4mm, total length not directly measured, estimated from head and thorax measurements ^[1]
  • Colony: Likely under 100 workers, based on typical Temnothorax colony sizes ^[1]
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, no development data exists for this species. (No direct measurements available.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unknown, no thermal data exists. Based on the Asir Mountains location (high elevation, inland Saudi Arabia), expect preference for moderate temperatures. Start around 20-24°C and observe colony activity ^[1].
  • Humidity: Likely prefers dry to moderate conditions based on Arabian mountain habitat. Provide a mostly dry nest with a small moisture source (e.g., test tube water reservoir). Avoid wet conditions ^[1].
  • Diapause: Unknown, no seasonal data available. Related temperate Temnothorax species typically require winter cooling, but no information exists for this species ^[1].
  • Nesting: In nature, found under stones. In captivity, provide a small test tube setup with access to a tiny foraging area. Small, enclosed spaces work best for their small size. Avoid large, open chambers ^[1].
• Behavior: No behavioral observations documented. Based on genus, likely peaceful and non-aggressive. Has a well-developed sting but tiny size limits effectiveness ^[1]. Belongs to a subfamily that uses a 'smear' defense, the stinger is flattened and spatulate, used to wipe venom onto enemies rather than pierce. Escape prevention is critical due to their very small size, use fine mesh barriers and tight-fitting lids.
• Common Issues: almost no biological data exists, keepers must experiment with care conditions, tiny size makes escape prevention challenging, use fine mesh and tight-fitting lids, colony size remains very small, do not expect large colonies, queen and male unknown, cannot establish colonies from wild-caught queens, single specimen suggests this species may be naturally rare

Discovery and Rarity

Temnothorax almeqeri was only recently described in 2019 from a single worker specimen collected in the Asir Mountains of Saudi Arabia ^[1]. The species was found at Alheifa Park in Tanuma at an elevation of 2240 meters, under a stone surrounded by Acacia and Tamarix vegetation ^[1]. Despite targeted collecting efforts at the type locality, no additional specimens were recovered ^[1].

This rarity is not unusual for many Temnothorax species, which typically form small colonies of fewer than 100 workers ^[1]. Several other Arabian Temnothorax species are known from only a handful of specimens, including Temnothorax liviae (4 workers,1 queen), Temnothorax brevidentis (1 worker), Temnothorax cenatus (2 workers), Temnothorax rufus (2 workers), and Temnothorax elmenshawyi (2 workers) ^[1]. The difficulty in locating colonies, combined with the absence of any biological data about the species, makes captive husbandry extremely challenging.

The species was named in honor of Mr. Mohammed Almeqer Alshehri for his contributions to preserving Islamic civilization and Arabian heritage ^[1].

Identification and Physical Features

Temnothorax almeqeri workers are tiny ants estimated to be around 3-4mm in total length ^[1]. The bicolored appearance is distinctive: the head, thorax, waist segments, and rear three-quarters of the first gaster segment are brown, while the antennae, mandibles, legs, front quarter of the first gaster segment, and tip of the gaster are clear yellow ^[1].

This species is distinguished by its relatively large eyes and notably long, sharp propodeal spines that point outward and are about twice the length of their base ^[1]. The first antennal segment (scape) extends past the rear margin of the eyes by roughly the length of the first funicular segment ^[1]. The body is covered in abundant long hairs, particularly on the thorax, petiole, and postpetiole ^[1].

A well-developed sting is present, though at this tiny size its effectiveness against humans is minimal ^[1]. The species belongs to the Temnothorax laurae species group ^[1].

Housing and Nest Setup

Since this species was found under a stone in its natural habitat, captive colonies should be provided with a small, enclosed nest space that mimics these conditions ^[1]. A standard test tube setup works well for founding colonies, with a small outworld for foraging.

Due to their extremely small size, escape prevention is critical. Use tight-fitting lids and fine mesh barriers on any openings. The nest chambers should be appropriately scaled, tiny passages and small chambers are better than large, open spaces that may stress the ants.

Provide a humidity gradient by offering a mostly dry nest with a small water source (e.g., test tube reservoir). Based on the Arabian mountain habitat, the species likely tolerates drier conditions better than many tropical ants ^[1]. However, always ensure water is available.

Avoid formicariums with large chambers or extensive tunneling systems, these tiny ants fare better in compact, simple setups that match their natural micro-habitat under stones.

Feeding and Diet

No specific dietary information exists for Temnothorax almeqeri. The biology is completely unknown ^[1]. Based on typical Temnothorax genus behavior, they likely forage for small insects, aphids, and other tiny arthropods in the leaf litter layer.

For captive feeding, start with small protein sources like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworms. Due to their tiny size, prey items should be appropriately scaled, very small portions. Sugar sources like honey water or sugar water may be accepted, though some Temnothorax species prefer honeydew.

Feed small amounts initially and observe acceptance. Remove any uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Given the expected small colony size, feeding once or twice weekly is likely sufficient once a colony is established.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

No specific temperature requirements have been documented for this species. The type locality in the Asir Mountains sits at 2240m elevation, suggesting the species experiences cooler temperatures than typical lowland Arabian ants ^[1].

Start with a moderate temperature range of 20-24°C and monitor colony behavior. If workers are consistently clustered in warmer areas of the nest, gradually increase temperature slightly. If they avoid heated areas, reduce temperature.

Regarding hibernation or winter diapause, no data exists. The Asir Mountains experience cooler winters, so related species likely require a winter cooling period. Consider providing a slight temperature drop (15-18°C) during winter months, but this is speculative ^[1].

Colony Structure and Reproduction

The colony structure of Temnothorax almeqeri remains completely unknown, only a single worker has ever been collected ^[1]. Queens and males have not been described, making it impossible to establish wild-caught colonies ^[1].

Based on typical Temnothorax genus patterns, this species likely forms small colonies with a single queen (monogyne), though some related species can have multiple queens (polygyne). Colony size is expected to remain small, typically under 100 workers ^[1].

For antkeepers, this means established colonies will remain relatively modest in numbers compared to species like Camponotus or Formica. Do not expect large, impressive colonies. The focus should be on maintaining a healthy, long-lived colony rather than rapid growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References