How to feed Temnothorax
Temnothorax are tiny ants living in small colonies, often inside an acorn, a twig or a crack in a stone. Perfect for small spaces, they eat very little.
What does Temnothorax eat?
- Protein: very small prey: fruit flies, tiny cricket pieces.
- Sugar: one small drop of sugar water or diluted honey.
- Tip: amounts really are tiny: one fruit fly can last several days.
How much to feed
Guidelines for a colony with a moderate amount of brood, at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F):
| WORKERS | PROTEIN | SUGAR / 3–4 DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| 10 (Nanitics) | 1 prey item every 5 days | 1 drop |
| 50 (Small) | 3 prey items every 4 days | 2 drops |
| 150 (Growing) | 10 prey items every 3 days | 6 drops |
| 400 (Established) | 25 prey items every 3 days | 15 drops |
1 prey item = one insect the size of a fruit fly (2–3 mm). A medium cricket (1 cm) is worth about 50 prey items. 1 drop ≈ 0.05 mL.
These are starting points. If food is left after 24 h, give less; if everything disappears fast and the brood grows, give more. The calculator also adjusts for brood and temperature.
Hibernation
November to March, 5–10 °C.
Common mistakes
- Overfeeding: leftovers go mouldy in such a small nest.
- Feeding a claustral founding queen.
- A nest that is too big: they prefer a small cavity.
FAQ
How many workers do Temnothorax colonies have?
Usually a few dozen to a few hundred at most.
How often should I feed Temnothorax?
Protein every 4–5 days in very small amounts, sugar always available.
What nest suits Temnothorax?
A small cavity: a test tube, a wooden nest or even a hollow acorn.
Amounts and timings are average guidelines, not rules. Always adjust to what you see in your own colony (leftovers, appetite, brood).