Temnothorax curvispinosusSpecies Introduction
Claustral. One or more queens sealed off in a tube rearing their first generation.
Native to the Eastern US. In the wild these ants can be found nesting in leaf litter, and acorns on the forest floor, or pieces of wood on the ground. T. curvispinosus often hiding in plain-sight in many habitats. Colonies are polydomous, one colony typically inhabiting multiple nests. Temnothorax curvispinosus are polygynous, and will readily have multiple queens within a single colony. An entire mature colony of these ants can reside within an acorn.
Managable colony size long-term. Generalists that will take many types of insects for protein, and loves carbohydrates. Ability for multiple queens allow for more control over max colony size. Great climbers so make sure to apply a fluon barrier in the outworld. These are great ants for a patient ant-keeper who is happy with small colony sizes!
Formicarium
Small twig-style or thin-channel formicaria work well, our Arboreal Ant Nest is ideal.
Water & Humidity
These ants are dry loving. Avoid overwatering.
Not recommended to use TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges for founding due to high humidity. Cotton will suffice.
Keep a liquid feeder with water (distilled, purified, or spring) in the foraging area at all times.
Carbohydrates
These ants want access to carbohydrates at all times.
We recommend providing sugar-water (we use our Ant Nectar Mix) and fresh-water liquid feeders in the outworld at all times.
Protein
Protein-loving. We suggest feeding protein 2–3 times a week.
Generalist scavengers, accept a wide range of pre-killed insects, as long as they aren't too big to bring back to the nest. TrapJaw Labs feeds our T. curvispinosus colonies with pre-killed D. melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies.
Two to three times per week. Increase amounts to scale with brood development.
Maintenance
Week 1: Dark, warm, gently humid, and undisturbed. No food yet.
Weeks 3–5: First workers appear. Start protein 2–3×/week, and put out a 24/7 sugar-water liquid feeder.
Months 2+: Steadily growing colony.
Diapause may be required for this species for northern populations.
Care Summary
- Protein 2–3×/week
- Sugar-water via liquid feeder
- Moderate humidity
- Gradient 76–88°F