Temnothorax pergandeiSpecies Introduction

Species Introduction Claustral. One queen sealed off in a tube rearing their first generation. Native to the Southeast's hardwood & pine forests. In the wild these ants can be found nesting in leaf litter on the forest floor or pieces of wood on the ground. T. pergandei is often hiding in plain-sight in many habitats. Managable colony size long-term. Generalists that will take many types of insects for protein, and loves carbohydrates. Great climbers so make sure to apply a fluon barrier in the outworld. Formicarium Small twig-style or thin-channel formicaria work well, our Arboreal Ant Nest is ideal. Warm. We suggest providing a gradient of 76–88°F. Heat cable recommended. 3/8" or smaller — they're small ants. Water & Humidity More tolerant to high humidity than other wood-nesting species, allow proper humidity gradient throughout the nest. Avoid overwatering. Recommended to use TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges for founding due to improved humidity. 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. pergandei 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 is not required for this species. Care Summary Protein 2–3×/week Sugar-water via liquid feeder Moderate humidity Gradient 76–88°F Two to three times per week: Offer pre-killed protein, clear leftovers within 24h Once per week: Make sure liquid feeders are full Every other week: Top up nest water