Description
Name: Tetramorium semilaeve
Origin: Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Southern France, Greece)
Queen: approx. 7 – 9 mm
Workers: approx. 2.5 – 4 mm
Food: Carbohydrates (sugar water, honey), proteins (small insects such as flies, crickets, cockroaches)
Humidity:
• Arena: 30 – 50 %
• Nest: 50 – 70 %
Temperature:
• Arena: 24 – 30 °C
• Nest: 26 – 30 °C
Winter Dormancy: Yes, approx. 2 – 3 months at 12 – 15 °C (short winter dormancy)
Nest Type: Aerated concrete (Ytong), plaster, 3D-printed, or sand-clay nests
Colony Size: up to 10,000 workers
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tetramorium semilaeve
Advantages:
Very active, adaptable, and robust species with rapid colony development. Reliably accepts food and is often out and about in the arena. Easy to keep and also suitable for beginners.
Disadvantages:
Small workers can escape through fine openings – escape-proofing is important. Due to their high activity level, the arena can get dirty quickly and needs regular cleaning.
Care
During the founding phase, a test tube with a small arena (approx. 10×10 cm) is sufficient. As the colony grows, a larger nest with good escape protection is needed. Sand-clay or aerated concrete nests are ideal. An arena of at least 20×20 cm provides sufficient space to roam.
Feeding
Very food-driven.
• Proteins (e.g. flies, crickets, cockroaches) every 2–3 days
• Carbohydrates (sugar water, honey)
Winter Dormancy
Tetramorium semilaeve undergoes a short winter dormancy of approx. 2–3 months at 12 – 15 °C.