Temnothorax crassispinus – Colony with Queen and workers

Description

The Ant Farming Charter on our Temnothorax unifasciatus ants:

1. Breeding approved by Veterinary Services, carried out by a specialist under certificate of capacity,
2. Guide to the Perfect Ant Farmer offered and health sheet provided,
3. Ants guaranteed without parasites,
4. Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood upon shipment,
5. No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell the colonies more quickly),
6. Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial reimbursement in the event of loss of workers, total in case of loss of the queen (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,
9. Colony taken back and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions).
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Temnothorax crassispinus, a peaceful but exciting species.

This species of native ants (present in France and Europe) belongs to the genus Temnothorax. Known for their small size and interesting social behavior, these ants offer you a unique opportunity to observe colony life up close. Very peaceful, it often lives in the trees and avoids conflicts along the trunks. Temnothorax crassispinus forms small, rapidly self-sufficient colonies which produce males and queens after only about a hundred workers. It is therefore common to observe sexuals in your breeding, and sometimes to obtain a swarm with new queens.

Main Features :

• Species: Temnothorax crassispinus (genus Temnothorax)
• Size of workers: About 2 to 4 mm in length
• Queen Size: Approximately 5-6mm in length
• Queen: Monogynous, 1 queen is present in each colony, responsible for reproduction.
• Workers: Up to a few hundred workers maximum.
• Lifespan: Workers usually live for several months, up to about 2 years, while queens can live for several years.
• Behaviour: Temnothorax are peaceful but pleasant to observe with a magnifying glass or USB microscope and are known to establish satellite colonies.

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

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

• Habitat: Provide a very small and low humidity nest. A wooden or cork tube may be suitable.
• Hygrometry: Maintain a reduced but present humidity. Temnothorax crassispinus appreciate a slightly humid environment such as in trees. No completely dry nest.
• Temperature: Maintain a stable, species-appropriate temperature, usually between 24 and 27°C during the day for maximum growth.

Photo 1 & 2: © Christophe Quintin Gallery HERE Photo 3: © Mick Massie, gallery here. Photo 4 © BEGclamor, gallery here.