Tetramorium bicarinatum

Description:

Tetramorium bicarinatum is a versatile ant that thrives in various environments. It is found practically across the entire southern hemisphere, and in heated places like zoos, it can also be found in countries such as Germany, Norway, and Sweden. Bicarinatum prefers nesting under old logs or rocks but is an excellent digger, so it can adapt to different nesting conditions. While some sources consider this species invasive, it is not expected to pose a threat in Poland due to its low winter temperatures.

Colonies of this species constantly increase the number of queens through ongoing nuptial flights throughout the year. Queens are produced like majors, with one pupa out of dozens being a queen, and this continues uninterrupted. Interestingly, most queens retain their wings despite mating and normal egg-laying. Additionally, the majority of princesses participate in hunting, making it quite common to see a queen killing a fly in an arena, both fluttering their wings.

These ants have stingers and are aggressive enough that even a colony with dozens of workers can be easily fed with live prey. They primarily consume protein but gladly accept some honey or oily seeds. All of the aforementioned characteristics, along with their coloration, make them a perfect species for vivarium and one of the best queen-breeding species on the market for novice ant keepers.

We sell ants from our private colony, in which we have mixed genes from colonies originating from several different countries. The increased genetic diversity theoretically makes the ants healthier and stronger.

ATTENTION! Most sellers send queens randomly, often with wings rather than without. A winged queen should be mated, but it is not guaranteed. Additionally, with this species, it is quite easy to mistake a queen for a male. That's why I most often send queens without wings to ensure that your queen is fertile. The queens come from a nuptial flight in my colony within our country, they are not imported and sold a week later.

Species: Tetramorium bicarinatum

Difficulty: low

Soldiers: none

Size: Queen 5-6 mm, worker 3-4 mm

Coloration: orange-brown

Distribution: South Asia, Australia, Africa, both Americas

Nutrition: mainly feeder insects, some honey water, and oily seeds

Hibernation: none

Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)

Recommended formicarium: vivarium, soil, acrylic, 3D printed, concrete