Temnothorax crassispinus – Colony with queen and workers

Description

The Fourmiculture Charter for our Temnothorax unifasciatus ants:

1. Approved breeding program of the Veterinary Services, managed by a specialist with a certificate of competence,
2. Free "Perfect Ant Keeper's Guide" and health record provided,
3. Ants guaranteed parasite-free,
4. Health demonstrated by the queen laying eggs and the presence of brood upon shipment,
5. No "boosting" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
6. Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial refund in case of worker loss, full refund in case of queen loss (if delivered within 48 hours),
7. Shipping possible from -12°C to +40°C thanks to our optional insulated packaging,
8. Species present in France, non-invasive and not threatened,

see conditions).

Temnothorax crassispinus, a peaceful but fascinating species.

This native ant species (found in France and Europe) belongs to the genus Temnothorax. Known for their small size and interesting social behavior, these ants offer a unique opportunity to closely observe the life of a colony. Very peaceful, they often live in trees and avoid conflicts along the trunks. Temnothorax crassispinus forms small, quickly self-sufficient colonies that produce males and queens after only about a hundred workers. It is therefore common to observe reproductive individuals in your colony, and sometimes even obtain a swarm with new queens.

Main features:

• Species: Temnothorax crassispinus (genus Temnothorax)
• Worker size: Approximately 2 to 4 mm in length
• Queen size: Approximately 5 to 6 mm in length
• Queen: Monogynous, 1 queen is present in each colony, responsible for reproduction.
• Female workers: Up to a few hundred female workers maximum.
• Lifespan: Worker bees generally live for several months, up to about 2 years, while queens can live for several years.
• Behavior: Temnothorax are peaceful but pleasant to observe under a magnifying glass or USB microscope and are known to establish satellite colonies.

Dietary requirements: Temnothorax crassispinus are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of food sources. Their diet may include dead insects, sugary liquids such as honeydew, as well as fruits and plant nectar. It is recommended to provide them with a balanced diet consisting of proteins, sugars, and liquids suited to their needs.

Breeding conditions: To breed Temnothorax crassispinus in good conditions, it is important to take the following elements into account:

• Habitat: Provide a very small and dry nest. A wooden or cork tube is suitable.
• Humidity: Maintain a low but present level of humidity. Temnothorax crassispinus prefers a slightly humid environment, such as in trees. Do not allow the nest to be completely dry.
• Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature suitable for the species, generally between 24 and 27°C during the day for maximum growth.

Photos 1 & 2: © Christophe Quintin, Galerie ICI. Photo 3: © Mick Massie, Galerie ICI. Photo 4: © BEGclamor, Galerie ICI.