Aphaenogaster picea
Temperature
20–25 °C
Humidity
50–70%
Colony size
300–2,000
Queen size
7.5–9 mm
Worker size
4.5–6 mm
Hibernation temp
6 °C
Diet
Care Guide
Aphaenogaster picea inhabits the cooler forests of northeastern North America, from the Appalachians up into eastern Canada. The queen measures 7.5–9 mm and workers 4.5–6 mm. Coloration is a dark blackish-brown to pitch black, giving the species its name (*picea* = pitch).
This species thrives in cool, shaded conditions and is one of the most cold-tolerant Aphaenogaster available to keepers. Colonies remain small, usually 300 to 2,000 individuals, and are entirely subterranean in nature, nesting under stones and in leaf litter on the forest floor.
As a generalist, A. picea collects small invertebrate prey, tends sugary food sources, and disperses seeds bearing elaiosomes. The species plays an outsized ecological role in its native woodlands as a seed disperser of spring ephemeral wildflowers. Founding is semi-claustral, meaning the queen forages during the founding stage and must be offered food.
Care difficulty
Intermediate. The species is forgiving in many ways but demands genuinely cool temperatures and a deep winter hibernation, which can be difficult for keepers in warmer climates without a dedicated cooling space.
Housing
A small starter setup is ideal — these are not ants for elaborate formicaria. Maintain temperatures at 20–25 °C during the active season, and never let temperatures rise above 26 °C for prolonged periods. Humidity should sit at 50–70 %. Offer fruit flies, small crickets, sugar water, and occasional elaiosome-bearing seeds. Hibernate the colony at 6 °C for three to four months — this is essential for queen longevity.
First days after purchase
Keep the colony in a quiet, cool, dimly lit place. Offer a small insect and droplet of sugar water during the first day. Avoid frequent disturbances — A. picea is shy and easily stressed by vibration. Wait until the colony has 25 or more workers before transitioning to a slightly larger setup.