The discreet one of cool soils
Aphaenogaster subterranea is a European ant with a subterranean lifestyle. As its name suggests, it digs its galleries in the soil and rarely appears on the surface. Its reddish-brown body and slender silhouette set it apart from Myrmica, with which it’s sometimes confused.
What makes it especially interesting: its cooperative hunting behaviour. The workers frequently use tools (small pieces of leaf or wood) to carry liquid prey such as crushed fruit or decomposing insect corpses.
Aphaenogaster is one of the few genera known to use tools. Workers dip plant or mineral fragments into liquid food and then carry them back to the nest. A behaviour studied by researchers because it challenges the definition of tool use in invertebrates.
Founding and growth
Nuptial flight in September-October. Founding is claustral, 2-3 months for the first workers. The colony stays moderate (1000 to 3000 workers) but is very active once underway.
Keeping
It likes high humidity (50-70%) and a Ytong or packed-soil substrate for digging. Hibernation is essential for 3 months at 5-8°C. The outworld can stay modest.
Feeding
An omnivore: dead insects, seeds, honeydew. Try offering protein as a mash or crushed fruit to observe the tool-use behaviour.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is Aphaenogaster subterranea?
- Queen: 7-9 mm — Workers: 4-6 mm.
- How long does a Aphaenogaster subterranea queen live?
- A Aphaenogaster subterranea queen lives approximately 10-15 years.
- How does Aphaenogaster subterranea found a colony?
- Foundation type: Claustral — Polygynous: No.
- What does Aphaenogaster subterranea eat?
- Diet: Insects, seeds, honeydew.
- Does Aphaenogaster subterranea need a diapause (hibernation)?
- Diapause: Yes (3 months).
- What temperature and humidity does Aphaenogaster subterranea require?
- Temperature: 20-25°C — Humidity: 50-70%.
- How large does a Aphaenogaster subterranea colony grow?
- Colony size: 1,000-3,000.
- Is Aphaenogaster subterranea suitable for beginners?
- Difficulty level: 2/5 (easy).
Sources & references
Authoritative references for further reading on Aphaenogaster subterranea:
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