Temnothorax augusti

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Central Mexico (Morelos: Cuernavaca) at mid elevation. The only known nest was inside a Tillandsia epiphyte, an arboreal habitat that is unusual for the genus ^[1][3][4].
• Colony Type: Unknown. The colony structure has not been documented. Most related Temnothorax species have single queens, but this is unconfirmed for T. augusti.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable. Only head measurements exist, which are not body length.
  • Worker: Size data unavailable. Only head measurements exist, which are not body length.
  • Colony: Unknown. No colony size has been recorded. Related species typically reach under 500 workers.
  • Growth: Unknown. Likely moderate based on related species, but unconfirmed.
  • Development: Unconfirmed. Based on related species in the salvini clade, likely 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature. (Development has not been directly studied. Estimates are based on genus-level patterns.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unclear. As a Mexican mid-elevation species, it likely prefers warm conditions in the low-to-mid 20s°C. Start around 22-26°C and observe.
  • Humidity: Moderate to high. Being an epiphyte nester, keep the nest moderately moist but not waterlogged. Provide a humidity gradient if possible.
  • Diapause: Unknown. Central Mexican species may have reduced activity during cooler months, but true diapause is unconfirmed.
  • Nesting: Unique among Temnothorax, this species nests in epiphytes (Tillandsia). In captivity, try a small Y-tong or plaster nest with tight chambers and vertical space. Add climbing structures (twigs, bark) to mimic the arboreal environment ^[1].
• Behavior: Not documented. Based on related species, likely non-aggressive and peaceful. Workers are very small, so they can squeeze through tiny gaps, ensure a secure enclosure even if they seem docile.
• Common Issues: this species is extremely rare, the only known collection is the type series from over a century ago, captive colonies are essentially nonexistent, the epiphyte nesting habit is poorly understood, so replicating its microhabitat in captivity is guesswork, no information on founding behavior or colony development exists, any keeper would be starting from scratch, wild-caught colonies (if ever found) may carry parasites or fail to adapt to artificial nests, slow growth and small colony sizes typical of the genus may frustrate keepers expecting fast expansion

Discovery and Naming History

Temnothorax augusti has a tangled taxonomic history. The first specimens were collected from a Tillandsia epiphyte near Cuernavaca, Mexico by William Morton Wheeler around 1910. In 1901,Forel described the species as Temnothorax foreli, but that name was already taken by a fossil. It was replaced with Temnothorax foreli in 1931,but that too was already in use. Finally, Baroni Urbani gave it the name Temnothorax augusti in 1978 to honor myrmecologist Auguste Forel ^[1]. Later, the species was moved to the genus Temnothorax by Bolton in 2003 ^[1].

Unique Nesting Habitat

What makes Temnothorax augusti particularly interesting is its nesting habitat. While most Temnothorax species nest in soil, under stones, or in rotting wood on the ground ^[2], T. augusti lives inside a Tillandsia epiphyte, a plant that grows on other plants. This arboreal nesting is rare in the genus. The only known nest was shared with two other ant species: Crematogaster crinosa and Cephalotes wheeleri, suggesting this ant may prefer the canopy ^[1]. Related species in the salvini clade show varied nesting habits, but this epiphyte association is unusual.

Identification and Close Relatives

Temnothorax augusti belongs to the salvini clade, specifically the augusti group. Its closest known relative is Temnothorax casanovai, which was found in neighboring Puebla state, Mexico, inside a pitahaya cactus. The two species look alike but can be told apart by size, the distance between their propodeal spines, the amount of surface texture on the first segment of the gaster, and color. Temnothorax augusti has shorter propodeal spines and a shinier first gastral tergite. The workers have moderately long antennal scapes (they just reach past the back of the head) and a petiolar node that is shaped like a small block and overhangs the rear part of the petiole ^[1].

Keeping This Species in Captivity

There is no established care guide for Temnothorax augusti. If you ever obtain a colony, you would be pioneering its captive husbandry. Based on its natural history, provide a small nest with tight chambers scaled to the ants' tiny size. A Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nest with narrow passages works well. Because they nest in epiphytes, add vertical space and climbing surfaces like cork bark or twigs. Keep temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s°C and humidity moderate, the nest should be moist but not wet. Feed small protein sources like fruit flies, springtails, or tiny roaches. Sugar water or honeywater may also be accepted. This species is best suited for experienced antkeepers who are willing to document and share their findings with the community. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

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References