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 certified specialist,
2. Free "Perfect Ant Keeper's Guide" and health record provided,
3. Ants guaranteed parasite-free,
4. Health demonstrated by queen egg-laying and the presence of brood upon shipment,
5. No "boosting" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
6. Guaranteed healthy delivery: 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).
sell

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.