Tetramorium Sp. E/caespitum FS

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[bg=fbd9bd] Photo from Akolab.com

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[bg=fbd9bd] Taxonomy: Myrmicinae (Tetramorium) Colony type: Monogynous (Single queen) Queen: Fully Claustral Color: Dark brown - black Size: Queen 7-9 mm / Workers 2-5 mm Distribution: Europe (T. caespitum) North America (T. Sp. E) Nutrition: Honey water, fruits, small insects, sometimes small seeds Temperature: Room temperature Hibernation: Depends on Location Air humidity: Moderate climate Nest building: Natural; sand, soil, loam. Artificial; Pumice, Y-Tong, Plaster, Glass, ect. Planting: Not Necessary Class: Easy

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[bg=fbd9bd] Tetramorium Sp. E and Tetramorium caespitum are virtually identical, and the only way to identify the difference is location or genetic analysis. Their behavior varies upon location, though the most famous of these would be the wars that take place between neighboring colonies. They make their nests in/under pavement (Hence their nickname, The Pavement Ant), soil, and sand. Tetramorium Sp. E/caespitum are a very hardy ant who wield a stinger, which is used to take out small insects/intruders/enemy ants. Tetramorium colonies usually range from 1,000 to 15,000 members. Tetramorium enjoy insects, nectar, honey, sugar water, fruits, and small seeds. They are the equivalent of Lasius niger in relations to the beginner ant keeper, minus the sting.

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[bg=fbd9bd] Information Needed.

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[bg=fbd9bd] Tetramorium Sp. E/caespitum usually found their colonies with only one queen, though very rarely, multiple queens may found a colony together. If such a thing does happen, once the workers eclose they attack all but their favorite queen. Queens also fight each other during this. Mating flights range from early to late summer, generally in the June/July/August time frame. Queens can easily be found throughout the day of the Nuptial Flights. They are quite shiny in the sunlight and do not look like workers.

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[bg=fbd9bd] Tetramorium (Sp. E/caespitum) are very flexible ants, and flourish in many different types of habitats. Since most Tetramorium are in the US and Canada, they are often kept in nests that do not allow them to dig freely, such as Plaster, Hydrostone, Y-Tong (Rarely), Pumice, and Test Tubes. Slim nests and tanks are used, though not often.

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[bg=fbd9bd] Tetramorium Sp. E/caespitum eat insects insects, nectar, honey, sugar water, fruits, and small seeds. They also need access to fresh water at all times.

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[bg=fbd9bd] While Tetramorium can sting, they rarely do so. They are very easy to keep, and are suitable for kids 11 and up, depending on maturity level. Tetramorium, are very sly ants and are very inquisitive about their world. Petroleum Jelly/Vaseline is often used as an escape deterrant.

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[bg=fbd9bd] Depending on location, Tetramorium may or may not hibernate. If say, you are in a zone that drops below 50 degrees, then you can definitely expect a small hibernation period. In captivity, Tetramorium may not hibernate, though their lifespan may be shortened. If your ants hibernate in the wild, then I advise lowering their temperature during the winter months, for at least a month.

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