Temnothorax tebessae

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Native to the Palaearctic region, specifically Algeria and Morocco. Found in forest environments, especially in the High Atlas, Essaouira, and Agadir areas ^[3][2].
• Colony Type: Likely single-queen colonies (monogyne) based on typical Temnothorax patterns. Colony size is small, typically under a few hundred workers (inferred from genus).
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~3-4 mm (inferred from typical Temnothorax queen size)
  • Worker: ~2-3 mm (inferred from typical Temnothorax worker size)
  • Colony: Likely under 500 workers (inferred from Temnothorax genus)
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks (inferred from typical Temnothorax development at room temperature) (Species-specific timing unconfirmed, based on genus-level data)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Room temperature, roughly 18-22°C (inferred from temperate North African origin). Avoid temperatures above 28°C.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity, keep nest substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Likely requires a winter diapause period of 2-3 months at 10-15°C (inferred from temperate origin).
  • Nesting: In nature, likely nests in small cavities under stones or in rotting wood. In captivity, a test tube or Y-tong nest with narrow chambers works well.
• Behavior: Generally peaceful and non-aggressive. Escape risk moderate due to small size. Uses a smear defense (venom wiping) characteristic of Crematogastrini. Diurnal foragers that actively search for small prey and honeydew.
• Common Issues: escape through tiny gaps due to small size, use fine mesh and tight seals., overheating above 28°C can be lethal, keep well ventilated and away from heat sources., wild-caught colonies may carry parasites or diseases that can devastate a captive colony., slow founding phase requires patience, disturbing the queen can cause colony failure., limited published care data means keepers must monitor colony response and adjust based on observation.

Housing and Nest Setup

Because T. tebessae is tiny, housing must be scaled accordingly. A test tube with a water reservoir and cotton plug works well during founding. For established colonies, use a Y-tong (AAC) nest with narrow, low chambers. These ants prefer tight, cozy spaces. The nest should retain slight moisture but not be soaked. A small outworld allows for feeding. Prevent escapes by using fluon on edges and ensuring all connections are tight.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Temnothorax, T. tebessae accepts a typical ant diet. Offer sugar water or honey for energy. For protein, provide small live prey such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworms. They hunt small insects naturally. Feed founding colonies a drop of honey once or twice a week and a small piece of prey every few days. Remove uneaten prey to prevent mold. As the colony grows, increase feeding frequency.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep at room temperature, roughly 18-22°C (inferred from North African origin). Avoid temperatures above 28°C. A winter diapause period is likely needed, reduce temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months. Move the colony to a cooler spot like an unheated garage or basement during late autumn. Do not feed during diapause but ensure access to water. Resume normal feeding and warmth in spring.

Colony Founding and Growth

Founding type is unconfirmed but likely claustral, the queen seals herself in a small chamber and raises the first workers on stored reserves. Do not disturb the queen during this period, first workers (nanitics) typically appear in 4-8 weeks. Colony growth is moderate, expect 50-100 workers after the first year under good conditions. Maximum colony size is likely under 500 workers, based on typical Temnothorax patterns. Patience is key.

Behavior and Temperament

This is a peaceful species. Workers are active foragers and will explore their surroundings for food. They are not aggressive and rely mainly on escape rather than defense. Their primary defense is smearing venom using a modified stinger, typical of the tribe Crematogastrini. They show typical Temnothorax behaviors like tandem running and keep their nests clean. They are well-suited for observation nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References