Aphaenogaster lamellidens
Temperature
22–27 °C
Humidity
50–70%
Colony size
500–3,000
Queen size
8.5–10 mm
Worker size
5–7 mm
Hibernation temp
10 °C
Diet
Care Guide
Aphaenogaster lamellidens is a striking semi-claustral ant of the southeastern United States, prized by keepers for its glowing orange-red coloration and graceful, long-legged build. The queen reaches 8.5–10 mm, while workers measure 5–7 mm. Of all the North American Aphaenogaster, this is one of the most visually impressive species in a formicarium.
Colonies are usually found in moist deciduous and pine-hardwood forests, often nesting in rotting logs and stumps rather than directly in soil. This semi-arboreal tendency means keepers can experiment with hybrid wood-and-substrate nest designs. Mature colonies contain 500 to 3,000 individuals — large enough to be active and rewarding but small enough to manage comfortably.
As a generalist, A. lamellidens hunts and scavenges small invertebrates, tends sugary secretions, and takes seeds with elaiosomes. Foraging is largely diurnal, and the slow, deliberate movement of these ants makes them excellent observation subjects.
Care difficulty
Rated intermediate, A. lamellidens is forgiving of minor husbandry mistakes but does require semi-claustral founding (the queen must be offered food during establishment) and a proper hibernation period.
Housing
A wood-based or hybrid nest works particularly well, mimicking their natural choice of rotting logs. Maintain temperature between 22 and 27 °C during the active season and humidity at 50–70 %. Offer a varied diet of small insects, sugar water, occasional protein jelly, and small seeds. Provide hibernation at around 10 °C from late autumn through early spring for at least two months.
First days after purchase
Place the queen or young colony somewhere quiet and offer a small insect plus a droplet of sugar water within 24 hours. Keep the nest slightly humid but not waterlogged. As the colony grows, transition gradually to a larger setup once 25 to 30 workers are present, and remember that this species responds best to calm handling and minimal disturbance.