Aphaenogaster faureli

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Endemic to the Aurès Mountains in northeastern Algeria, found in Aleppo pine forests at elevations of 1250-1400 meters ^[1][2][5].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed. Specific colony structure (single-queen or multiple-queen) has not been documented for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable for this species. Based on typical Aphaenogaster genus patterns, queens likely measure around 6-8 mm.
  • Worker: Size data unavailable for this species. Based on typical Aphaenogaster genus patterns, workers likely measure around 4-7 mm.
  • Colony: Unknown. Based on related species, colonies likely reach several hundred workers.
  • Growth: Unknown. Presumed moderate based on temperate Aphaenogaster patterns.
  • Development: Unconfirmed. Based on related temperate Aphaenogaster species, estimated 8-12 weeks at 22°C. (Development timing is unconfirmed for this species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20-22°C during the active season. Avoid temperatures above 25°C for extended periods. Provide winter hibernation at 10-15°C for 3-4 months ^[2][5].
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity with good drainage. These are forest-floor ants from temperate pine habitats, keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged ^[5].
  • Diapause: Yes, required. High elevation origin means they need cold winter rest of 3-4 months ^[2][5].
  • Nesting: In nature they nest in soil and rotting wood under pine forests. In captivity, use Y-tong nests, plaster nests, or test tubes with moderate humidity and good ventilation ^[5].
• Behavior: Active foragers typical of the genus. Likely omnivorous, collecting seeds and small insects. Not particularly aggressive. Escape risk is moderate, standard barriers work for this size range ^[5].
• Common Issues: high elevation origin means they suffer in constant heat above 25°C, keep them cooler than tropical species., wild-caught colonies from Algeria may carry parasites or diseases not found in captive-bred stock., limited scientific data means captive care is experimental, be prepared to adjust conditions based on colony response., hibernation is mandatory, skipping winter rest will weaken or kill the colony.

Distribution and Natural Habitat

Aphaenogaster faureli is found only in Algeria, specifically in the Aurès Mountains of the northeastern part of the country ^[1][2]. The type specimens were collected from multiple mountain locations including Djebel Innoumar, Djebel Boutchaout, Djebel Titouguelt, and Djebel Chenntouf at elevations between 1250-1400 meters ^[5]. These sites are characterized by Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) forests, suggesting these ants prefer well-drained, forested mountain habitats rather than lowland desert or tropical conditions ^[5]. The region experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, warm summers but cold winters at these elevations, which explains their need for hibernation in captivity ^[2]. As a member of the crocea species group, they are distinct from the more widespread subterranea group found across Europe ^[3][4].

Colony Founding and Structure

Specific founding behavior has not been documented for Aphaenogaster faureli. Most Aphaenogaster species practice claustral founding, where the queen seals herself in a chamber and lives entirely on stored body fat until her first workers hatch, but this specific detail is unconfirmed for A. faureli ^[5]. Colony structure (single-queen or multiple-queen) is also unconfirmed. If you obtain a founding queen, house her in a standard test tube setup with a water reservoir and cotton plug. Keep her undisturbed in a dark, quiet place at moderate temperatures (around 20-22°C) during the founding phase.

Temperature and Hibernation

Temperature management is critical for this species. Coming from mountain habitats at 1300-1400 meters, they are adapted to cooler conditions than lowland ants ^[2][5]. During the active season (spring through autumn), maintain them at 20-22°C. Avoid letting them overheat above 25°C for extended periods. For winter care, they require a true hibernation period (diapause) of 3-4 months at 10-15°C ^[5]. You can achieve this by moving the colony to an unheated room, garage, or refrigerator set to the appropriate temperature. Ensure the nest does not dry out completely during this rest period, but also avoid excessive moisture that could cause mold in cold conditions.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Aphaenogaster species, A. faureli are omnivorous and likely practice seed harvesting (myrmecochory) as well as predation on small insects ^[5]. In captivity, offer a varied diet including small seeds such as millet, chia, or poppy seeds, which they may store in their nest chambers. For protein, provide small live insects appropriate to their size, fruit flies (Drosophila), small springtails, or pinhead crickets work well. You can also offer sugar water or honey water in a small test tube or on a cotton ball for carbohydrates. Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent mold growth, especially given their moderate humidity requirements.

Housing and Nest Requirements

In nature, these ants nest in soil and rotting wood in pine forests ^[5]. For captive colonies, standard ant-keeping setups work well. Start founding queens in test tubes with water reservoirs. Once the colony reaches 20-50 workers, move them to a small formicarium, Y-tong (autoclaved aerated concrete) or plaster nests both work well. Provide moderate humidity but ensure good ventilation to prevent mold. The nest should have both damp and slightly drier areas so the ants can choose their preferred microclimate. For the outworld, use a standard container with a barrier of Fluon or talcum powder to prevent escapes, though at their size they are not the most escape-prone species if barriers are properly applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please report here, it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References