Temnothorax nylanderi – Acorn ant

Temnothorax nylanderi is a small but particularly interesting European ant species. This species is known for its compact colonies and its preference for very small nest cavities. In the wild, nests are often found in hollow acorns, small pieces of dead wood, under tree bark, or sometimes under stones. Due to their small size, an entire colony can live in a surprisingly small space.

Workers of Temnothorax nylanderi are yellowish-brown to light brown in color, with the head and abdomen often being slightly darker. Despite their small size, they exhibit interesting social behavior. For instance, this species is known for so-called tandem runs, in which an experienced worker guides another worker to a food source or new nest site.

A major advantage of Temnothorax nylanderi is that colonies remain relatively small. In the wild, colonies of approximately 100 to 300 workers are often found. This makes this species very suitable for enthusiasts who have limited space or would like to observe a complete adult colony in a compact formicarium.

Specifications

Scientific name: Temnothorax nylanderi
Dutch name: Acorn ant
Distribution area: Central and Southern Europe and parts of Western Europe
Ant color: Yellowish-brown to light brown, often with a darker head and abdomen
Difficulty level: 2 / 5
Queen size: approximately 4 – 5 mm
Worker size: approximately 2.3 – 3.4 mm
Soldier size: Not present
Temperature: approximately 18 – 24°C
Optimal temperature: approximately 20 – 23°C
Hilf-wintering: Yes, approximately October/November through March at around 5 – 10°C
Growth rate: Slow
Maximum queen lifespan: approximately 10 – 15 years
Development into worker numbers: usually about 100 – 300 workers, sometimes slightly more
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Organization: Claustral; the queen can raise the first generation of workers independently
Colony formation: Monogyne, normally one queen per adult colony

Power supply

Temnothorax nylanderi is an omnivorous ant species. Due to the small size of the workers, only small amounts of food are required.

Diet: small insects such as fruit flies, small pieces of buffalo worm, mealworm, small crickets, and other small protein sources.

Sugars: for example sugar water, honey water, Byformica Sunburst Ant Nectar, honeydew and other suitable nectar foods.

Especially during periods when many larvae are present, it is important to regularly offer small, protein-rich food sources. With small colonies, too much food should not be given at once, as leftovers can dry out or mold more quickly.

Care

Temnothorax nylanderi prefers a small and sheltered nest. This species specifically does not require a large nest: an overly spacious nest arrangement can be impractical for such a small colony. Small wooden nests, cork nests, very small 3D nests, or natural nesting sites such as a hollow acorn are therefore particularly suitable.

The nest may slightly damp , but prevent it from becoming completely wet. A slight moisture gradient ensures that the colony can choose the most suitable place for breeding itself.

From how many workers to a nest: a very small nest can be offered starting from a small colony of approximately 10–20 workers.

Recommended nest type: small 3D nest, cork nest, wooden nest, small acrylic nest, or a natural hollow acorn.

Because the worker bees are only a few millimeters in size, very good escape protection important. Even very small openings can be sufficient to escape from a formicarium.

✅ Why choose Temnothorax nylanderi

• Very small and unique European ant species
• Complete colony requires little space
• Interesting tandem and foraging behavior
• Colonies remain manageable, usually with only a few hundred workers
• Can be kept naturally, for example in a hollow acorn
• Great for both beginners and experienced ant keepers looking for a compact species