Temnothorax susamyri

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Palearctic Region, found in Kyrgyzstan and Tibet (China) at high altitude ^[1][2]. Specific habitat details are unconfirmed, but typical high-altitude Central Asian conditions suggest a cool, dry environment.
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed. Based on typical Temnothorax patterns, likely monogyne (single queen) with small colonies.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~4-6mm, inferred from Temnothorax genus
  • Worker: ~2-4mm, inferred from Temnothorax genus
  • Colony: Likely up to 300 workers at maturity, based on typical Temnothorax patterns
  • Growth: Moderate, steady but not rapid, inferred from genus
  • Development: 6-10 weeks at optimal temperatures, inferred from genus (No species-specific data exists. Temperature significantly affects development speed.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: 18-22°C during active season, based on Palearctic distribution. Avoid temperatures above 25°C. Use condition-based monitoring: if workers cluster away from the warmest area, it's too hot.
  • Humidity: Provide a humidity gradient. This species likely comes from dry high-altitude habitats, so keep the nest mostly dry with one moist area. Avoid constant wetness.
  • Diapause: Yes, required. This Palearctic species needs 2-3 months at 5-10°C in winter to simulate natural seasons.
  • Nesting: Prefers small, tight cavities. Test tubes for founding, Y-tong or small plaster nests later. Avoid large open spaces.
• Behavior: Docile and non-aggressive, typical of small Temnothorax. Uses smear defense (Crematogastrini tribe), a modified stinger wipes venom onto enemies rather than piercing. Escape risk is moderate due to tiny size, use standard fluon or oil barriers.
• Common Issues: overheating (keep below 22°C), this Palearctic species suffers in standard room temperatures above 25°C, diapause failure, without 2-3 months at 5-10°C, colonies weaken and die, desiccation, provide a moist area in the nest and a water source, test tube flooding, keep water reservoir appropriate for small diameter tube, mold from overfeeding, remove uneaten food within 24 hours

Temperature and Cooling Requirements

This species comes from cool high-altitude areas in Central Asia, so it prefers conditions between 18-22°C during the active season. That's cooler than what most antkeepers maintain for tropical species. Overheating is a real risk, avoid temperatures above 25°C. A heating cable is not needed and could harm the colony. In winter you must provide a diapause period: gradually lower the temperature to 5-10°C for 2-3 months. Watch your colony: if workers consistently avoid one part of the nest, that area may be too warm.

Nesting Preferences

Temnothorax ants naturally nest in small cavities: under stones, in rotting wood, or hollow plant stems. In captivity, test tubes work perfectly for founding colonies. The key is to keep chambers small and tight, these tiny workers (2-4mm) feel unsafe in large open spaces. For established colonies, use Y-tong (AAC) or small plaster nests with narrow chambers. Provide a humidity gradient: keep the nest substrate mostly dry, with one small area slightly moist. Also give them a separate water tube for drinking.

Feeding and Diet

Like most Temnothorax, T. susamyri likely eats a mix of small insects and sugary liquids. Offer small prey like fruit flies, micro mealworms, or pinhead crickets, sized for their tiny workers. Provide sugar water or diluted honey constantly, and protein 2-3 times per week. Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent mold. Since no one has kept this species before, watch what your colony prefers and adjust. Some Temnothorax are picky about sugar, if they ignore sweet liquids at first, don't worry.

Winter Dormancy and Seasonal Care

This Palearctic species absolutely needs a winter diapause. Without 2-3 months of cold (5-10°C), colonies gradually weaken and die. Starting in late autumn, reduce the temperature over 1-2 weeks to around 5-10°C. The colony will slow down and cluster together. Keep them in a cold spot like an unheated garage, basement, or a dedicated ant fridge. During diapause they need no food and very little attention, just check occasionally that the nest doesn't dry out completely. In spring, warm them back up over 1-2 weeks and resume normal feeding.

Colony Founding

Founding behavior is unconfirmed for this species, but based on typical Temnothorax, the queen likely seals herself in a small chamber and raises her first workers alone without leaving to forage (claustral founding). If you have a founding queen, place her in a simple test tube setup with a water reservoir at one end, stoppered with cotton. Keep her in darkness at 18-22°C and do not disturb for 6-10 weeks until workers appear. Do not feed during founding, the queen uses her own reserves. Once nanitics arrive, offer tiny food portions. Growth will be slow at first, which is normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References