Tetraponera Rufonigra

Colony type: Polygyny

Colony size: Up to 500 workers

Development rate: Medium

• Queen: 12-16mm
• Workers: 10-12mm

Color: Black head and belly, orange-red to dark red chest

• Food insects (such as cockroaches and crickets) dead, or live if colony is big
• Fruits and vegetables
• Jelly
• Honey

• Humidity: Arena: 30-50%, Nest: 50-70%
• Temperature: Arena: 22-28 °C, Nest: 22-26 °C

When breeding Tetraponera rufonigra, it is suggested to use nests made of acrylic, gypsum, or aerated concrete. These materials provide a suitable environment for the colony’s development and allow for easy observation of the ants’ activities.

Tetraponera rufonigra is a fascinating ant species known for its aggressive behavior and territorial nature. This species has a polygynous colony structure, meaning it can have multiple queens coexisting within a single colony. With a colony size of up to 500 workers, they are highly organized and efficient in their tasks.

The size of the queen ranges from 12 to 16mm, while the workers are slightly smaller, measuring between 10 and 12mm. The coloration of this ant species is striking, with the head and belly being black, and the chest displaying vibrant hues ranging from orange-red to dark red.

In terms of nutrition, Tetraponera rufonigra primarily feeds on a diet of food insects such as cockroaches and crickets. This species is also known to consume syrup made from a mixture of water and honey. It is advised to maintain a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part honey for the syrup. To provide a varied diet, feeding them with different types of fruits is also recommended.

Creating the ideal environment for Tetraponera rufonigra is crucial for their well-being. The humidity levels in the arena should be maintained at 30-50%, while the nests require a higher humidity range of 50-70%. When it comes to temperature, the arena should be kept between 22-28°C, while the nests should be slightly cooler at 20-24°C. These conditions ensure the ants’ optimal growth and activity.

One notable characteristic of Tetraponera rufonigra is their aggressiveness and territorial behavior. They are fierce defenders of their nest and territory, and their sting can cause significant pain that lasts for several hours. Their keen eyesight and sharp, chaotic movements contribute to their ability to detect and respond to threats effectively.

For breeding purposes, it is recommended to provide nests made of acrylic, gypsum, or aerated concrete. These materials offer suitable conditions for the colony’s development and allow for easy observation of the ants’ activities. Proper nest selection is crucial to support the growth and productivity of the Tetraponera rufonigra colony.

In conclusion, Tetraponera rufonigra is an intriguing ant species with unique characteristics. Understanding their colony structure, nutritional needs, and ideal environments is essential for creating a successful and thriving colony. By providing the appropriate conditions and observing their fascinating behavior, ant enthusiasts can appreciate the beauty and complexity of these remarkable insects.