Technomyrmex andrei

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Wet tropical forests of West and Central Africa, from Ghana and Ivory Coast east to Kenya, and south to Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola ^[1]. They nest in rotting wood on the forest floor and forage in the leaf litter layer ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed, no scientific data describes queen number. Based on typical Technomyrmex patterns they may be monogyne, but this has not been studied.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, queen described by Bernard (1953) but no total length given ^[1].
  • Worker: 2.7-4.3 mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, estimated based on similar litter-dwelling Technomyrmex species, likely several hundred workers
  • Growth: Moderate, estimated from tropical forest ant patterns
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at 24-28°C (inferred from related Dolichoderinae species) (Specific data for T. andrei is not available, development time depends on stable warmth and high humidity)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C, they are a tropical forest species that prefers warm, stable conditions ^[2]. A slight temperature gradient is beneficial. Avoid drops below 22°C.
  • Humidity: High humidity, keep the nest substrate consistently damp but not waterlogged. Provide a humidity gradient: a moist nest area and a drier outworld. Mist the outworld occasionally without causing pooling water.
  • Diapause: No, as a tropical species from wet forests, they do not require winter dormancy. Maintain warm temperatures year-round.
  • Nesting: They naturally nest in rotting wood on the forest floor ^[1]. In captivity, Y-tong (AAC) nests, plaster nests, or naturalistic setups with damp wood pieces work well. They prefer tight, humid chambers that mimic their natural rotten wood habitat.
• Behavior: Active foragers that patrol the leaf litter layer. Workers are fast-moving and can be nervous. They are not aggressive and will flee rather than fight. As Dolichoderinae ants, they lack a sting and defend by exuding foul-smelling compounds, harmless to humans but irritating if sprayed in eyes. Their small size (under 4.3 mm) means escape prevention is important: they can squeeze through tiny gaps. They are not known to be escape artists when properly contained.
• Common Issues: high humidity requirements can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, small size means they can escape through standard mesh, use fine mesh barriers, tropical species may struggle if temperatures drop below 22°C, wild-caught colonies may contain parasites that can devastate captive populations, foraging workers may become stressed in overly dry conditions

Housing and Nest Setup

Technomyrmex andrei does well in several nest types, but they particularly suit setups that mimic their natural rotten wood habitat ^[1]. Y-tong (AAC) nests work well because they provide the tight chambers and high humidity these ants need. Plaster nests are another good option, as they hold moisture well. If using a naturalistic setup, include pieces of damp rotting wood or cork bark for them to nest in. Avoid large, open spaces, their small workers prefer snug chambers. A small outworld for foraging completes the setup. Use very fine mesh on any ventilation to prevent escape.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, T. andrei forages in the leaf litter for small arthropods and likely collects honeydew from aphids or scale insects. In captivity, offer a varied diet including small live prey like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and small mealworms. Sugar sources are important, they will readily accept sugar water, honey, or diluted honey. Offer protein foods 2-3 times per week and keep a constant sugar source available. Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent mold issues in the humid setup.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical forest species from West and Central Africa, T. andrei needs warm and humid conditions ^[2]. Keep the nest at 24-28°C with a slight temperature gradient if possible. Room temperature in most homes may be too cool, consider using a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a warm zone. Humidity should be high, the nest substrate must feel consistently damp but never waterlogged. In Y-tong nests, keep the water chamber filled but not overflowing. Mist the outworld occasionally but avoid excess moisture that leads to mold. Good ventilation is essential to prevent stagnant air while maintaining humidity.

Behavior and Temperament

Technomyrmex andrei workers are active foragers that spend most of their time searching the leaf litter layer for food ^[1]. They are not particularly aggressive and will typically flee rather than fight when threatened. As Dolichoderinae ants, they lack a stinger and instead defend by exuding sticky, foul-smelling cyclopentanoid monoterpenes from an anal gland, harmless to humans but can be irritating if directly sprayed in eyes. Workers are fast-moving and can be nervous, especially in new or unstable conditions. They are not climbers and prefer to stay on the ground. Their small size means they can slip through tiny gaps, use fine mesh on any ventilation holes and ensure lid seals are tight.

Seasonal Care

Unlike temperate ant species, T. andrei does not require a winter diapause period. They come from tropical forests where temperatures remain warm year-round ^[2]. Maintain consistent temperatures throughout the year, ideally in the 24-28°C range. If your room temperature drops significantly in winter, provide supplemental heating. The humidity requirements remain constant as well, do not allow the nest to dry out even in winter. These ants are active year-round when kept warm.

Colony Establishment

Because founding behavior is unconfirmed for this species, there are no reliable guidelines. If you obtain a queen, start her in a small test tube setup with a water reservoir, keep it warm (24-28°C) and dark. Once the first workers emerge (estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperatures), begin offering tiny food items. Wild-caught colonies may already have workers and can establish more quickly, but watch for parasites. Transfer to a proper nest once the colony outgrows the founding setup (roughly 20-30 workers). Progress slowly and avoid disturbing the queen during founding.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References