Aphaenogaster tennesseensis ||Live Queen|| [Tennessee Collared ant]

Aphaenogaster tennesseensis is a brightly colored Aphaenogaster with colonies that reach around 2000 workers. In the wild, they will often nest at the bases of trees and in fallen logs. They are also one of the only two parasitic Aphaenogaster in the Americas, the other being the elusive, arboreal A. mariae. They are common in hardwood forests and often populate every other tree. A. tennesseensis parasitizes colonies of the A. fulva-rudis-texana complex, most commonly parasitizing rudis and fulva. In captivity, colonies grow relatively quickly compared to other temperate Aphaenogaster and their minuscule queens pump out hundreds of eggs every generation. Their long, curved spines and bright coloration make them very distinct from all other Aphaenogaster in their range.

Care Guide:

Despite their hardy nature, it is still important to provide proper care for an optimal growing season. 

Food

Aphenogaster tennesseensis will eat anything they get their hands on. From insects (beetle larvae, fruit flies, or roaches) to meat (ham, turkey bacon, or chicken) and carbohydrates like Honey, sugar water, or nectar. 

Temperature and Humidity:

The temperature should range from 19-29C and humidity between 30-60% (room humidity or a bit higher)

Ant nest

Aphenogaster tennesseensis will do great in most of our setups. When choosing the size of the nest, the colony should take up at least 40%+ of the nest capacity to ensure the colony doesn't feel vulnerable and stressed.