Scientific illustration of Nylanderia querna (Acorn Crazy Ant) - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Acorn Crazy Ant

Nylanderia querna

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Nylanderia querna
Tribe
Lasiini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Kallal & LaPolla, 2012
Common Name
Acorn Crazy Ant
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Nylanderia querna is a small, bright yellow ant native to the central United States. Workers measure 1.97-2.41 mm in total length, and queens are larger at 3.41-4.04 mm . They have uniformly yellow coloration with dark brown macrosetae and a smooth, shiny cuticle . This species is found in Illinois, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama . What makes this species unusual is its nesting behavior: it consistently nests inside acorns, an uncommon habit for Nylanderia . The species name 'querna' means 'of oaks' in Latin, reflecting this association. Reproductives are collected in acorns in mid-March, suggesting early spring nuptial flights .

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Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Expert
  • Origin & Habitat: Native to central United States (Illinois, Mississippi, Arkansas) and documented in Alabama as an exotic species. Found in oak woodland habitats, nesting inside acorns [1][2].
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed in scientific literature. Based on typical Nylanderia patterns, likely single-queen (monogyne) colonies, but this requires confirmation [1].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: ~3.41-4.04 mm [1]
    • Worker: ~1.97-2.41 mm [1]
    • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unknown, development time has not been documented for this species (No specific data available, follow general ant keeping practices)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep at room temperature, roughly 20-25°C. No specific thermal studies exist, but related Nearctic Nylanderia tolerate typical indoor conditions [1].
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as acorns provide a moderately damp interior [1].
    • Diapause: Yes, as a Nearctic species, likely requires winter diapause. Provide 2-3 months at 10-15°C during winter months [1].
    • Nesting: Prefer tight, enclosed spaces like acorns. Use Y-tong (AAC) nests with narrow chambers, custom wooden formicaria, or small cork setups to mimic natural habitat [1].
  • Behavior: Workers are active and fast-moving, typical of Nylanderia. They are not aggressive toward humans and lack a functional stinger. Their small size (under 2.5 mm) makes escape prevention critical. WARNING: This species is invasive in Alabama and should not be kept in non-native countries. Do not release under any circumstances [2].
  • Common Issues: tiny size makes escape likely without fine mesh barriers and tight-fitting lids [1], no documented colony size means expectations for growth are unclear, winter diapause requirements are inferred, monitor colony behavior during rest, acorn-nesting preference may require custom housing beyond standard setups, WARNING: Nylanderia querna is an invasive species in Alabama. It is NOT recommended to keep this species in countries where it is not native. If kept, extreme precautions must be taken to prevent any escape, as established invasive populations can cause severe ecological damage [2]

Housing and Nest Setup

Nylanderia querna nests in acorns in the wild, so provide tight, enclosed chambers in captivity [1]. Use Y-tong (AAC) nests with narrow passages, custom wooden formicaria, or small cork setups to simulate acorn interiors. Standard test tubes may not be ideal due to their preference for cramped spaces. Because workers are tiny (under 2.5 mm), use fine mesh (0.5 mm or smaller) for ventilation and ensure all connections are secure to prevent escapes [1].

Feeding and Diet

Specific dietary requirements are not documented for this species. Based on typical Nylanderia patterns, they are likely generalist feeders accepting both sugars and proteins [1]. Offer sugar water, honey, or diluted maple syrup constantly, and provide small insects like fruit flies or pinhead crickets 2-3 times per week. Prey items should be appropriately sized for their small workers.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

No specific temperature studies exist, but this species is native to regions with seasonal variation. Keep nests at 20-25°C year-round, with a winter diapause at 10-15°C for 2-3 months [1]. During diapause, reduce feeding and keep substrate slightly moist.

Colony Founding

Founding behavior is unconfirmed. Most Formicinae ants are claustral, but this has not been observed for N. querna. If starting with a queen, provide a small, dark enclosure and keep undisturbed at room temperature [1].

Behavior and Temperament

Workers are active and fast-moving, with high foraging activity. They are not aggressive toward humans and lack a stinger. Escape risk is high due to their small size, use fine mesh and barriers like fluon. WARNING: This species is invasive in non-native areas, prevent escapes at all costs [2][1].

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Nylanderia querna to produce first workers?

Development time is unknown. Based on typical Formicinae patterns, expect first workers around 6-10 weeks at warm temperatures, but no species-specific data exists [1].

What is the best nest type for Nylanderia querna?

They prefer tight, enclosed spaces like acorns. Use Y-tong nests with narrow chambers, custom wooden formicaria, or small cork setups to mimic natural habitat [1].

What do Nylanderia querna eat?

Based on typical Nylanderia patterns, they are generalist feeders accepting sugars and proteins. Offer sugar water and small insects like fruit flies [1].

Do Nylanderia querna colonies need hibernation?

Yes, as a Nearctic species, they likely require winter diapause. Provide 2-3 months at 10-15°C during winter [1].

How big do Nylanderia querna colonies get?

Colony size is unknown, no scientific studies have documented it [1].

Are Nylanderia querna good for beginners?

No, this species is rated Expert due to its invasive status, small size requiring excellent escape prevention, and lack of species-specific care data [2].

Can I keep multiple Nylanderia querna queens together?

Colony structure is unconfirmed. Most Nylanderia species are single-queen, but combining queens is not recommended without specific data [1].

When do Nylanderia querna have nuptial flights?

Based on collection data, nuptial flights likely occur in early spring, around March or April [1].

Why are my Nylanderia querna escaping?

Their small size (under 2.5 mm) makes them excellent escape artists. Use fine mesh (0.5 mm or smaller) for ventilation and ensure tight lids [1].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .