Scientific Name: Aphaenogaster picea

Common Name: Unknown

Distribution: Northeastern, and some Southeastern United states.

Queen size: 7-8mm

Worker size: 4-6mm

Natural Habitat: Found in dead/moist wood in mountainous or rocky habitats of higher elevations.

Circadian Activity: Mostly diurnal, but will forage at night.

Mating Flight: Their major flight is in August after a light rain, and have been known to fly before and after August.

Queen Founding Method: Fully Claustral.

Monogyne or Polygyne: Monogyne

Average time from egg to worker: Egg to larva - 10-15 days; larva to pupa (no cocoon) - 15-20 days; Pupa to worker – 15-20 days. Time may vary with temperature. (Note: can be very slow to start)

Recommended Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)

Recommended Humidity: Mid humidity level of 30-50%.

Preferred Foods: Mainly insects such as termites, fruit flies, crickets, meal worms, and wax worms. This species regularly refuses liquids by covering up any sources. Very little to no activity with feeders.

Hibernation Details: In the wild temperatures below freezing are common, even up to -40C/F. In captivity it is advised to stay above the freezing point as we are unable to easily duplicate the slow cool down into freezing temps to allow the anti-freeze in their blood to work properly. Hibernation is recommended between 39F (4C) - 50F (10C).

Escape Barrier Methods: Extra virgin olive oil works for me.

Difficulty rating: Easy to keep, can be difficult to start.

Bite and/or Sting rating: None

Special Care or Interesting Notes: This species prefers a constantly hydrated nest with dry spots. This species also lacks a social stomach, so foods will have to be carried back to the nest. Aphaenogaster have been recorded making “sponges” to absorb liquids on rare occasions, otherwise liquids are rarely taken.

Description: Aphaenogaster picea is an arboreal species that aids forests and woods in seed dispersal. This species will eat the skin off of seeds and drop the remains, which usually results in the start of a new sapling or plant. Dark red/brown coloration with the last 4 segments of their antennae being lighter in color. workers will have an easily identifiable yellow tipped gaster.

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Information submitted by Loops117

But I have seen so many species on my property that range in size a lot and they all have it. They also differ in where they nest, when they are active, and the queens look way different.

Scientific Name: Aphaenogaster picea
 
Common Name: Unknown
 
Distribution: Northeastern, and some Southeastern United states.

Queen size: 7-8mm
 
Worker size: 4-6mm
 
Natural Habitat: Found in dead/moist wood in mountainous or rocky habitats of higher elevations.

Circadian Activity: Mostly diurnal, but will forage at night.

Mating Flight: Their major flight is in August after a light rain, and have been known to fly before and after August.

Queen Founding Method: Fully Claustral.

Monogyne or Polygyne: Monogyne

Average time from egg to worker: Egg to larva - 10-15 days; larva to pupa (no cocoon) - 15-20 days; Pupa to worker – 15-20 days. Time may vary with temperature. (Note: can be very slow to start)

Recommended Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)

Recommended Humidity: Mid humidity level of 30-50%.

Preferred Foods: Mainly insects such as termites, fruit flies, crickets, meal worms, and wax worms. This species regularly refuses liquids by covering up any sources. Very little to no activity with feeders.

Hibernation Details: In the wild temperatures below freezing are common, even up to -40C/F. In captivity it is advised to stay above the freezing point as we are unable to easily duplicate the slow cool down into freezing temps to allow the anti-freeze in their blood to work properly. Hibernation is recommended between 39F (4C) - 50F (10C).

Escape Barrier Methods: Extra virgin olive oil works for me.

Difficulty rating: Easy to keep, can be difficult to start.

Bite and/or Sting rating: None

Special Care or Interesting Notes: This species prefers a constantly hydrated nest with dry spots. This species also lacks a social stomach, so foods will have to be carried back to the nest. Aphaenogaster have been recorded making “sponges” to absorb liquids on rare occasions, otherwise liquids are rarely taken.

Description: Aphaenogaster picea is an arboreal species that aids forests and woods in seed dispersal. This species will eat the skin off of seeds and drop the remains, which usually results in the start of a new sapling or plant. Dark red/brown coloration with the last 4 segments of their antennae being lighter in color. workers will have an easily identifiable yellow tipped gaster.

Additional Links:










Information submitted by Loops117

 

so is it normal to see minimal to no movement

where do you live? Could be hibernating 

 

probably hibernating

 

I recently found out my almost 1 year old T. Immigrans colony is actually A. Picea. I just tried the olive oil for a barrier and it works amazing. They don't even try to climb it. Does this work for other species? Also, how often do you replace the barrier?

I recently found out my almost 1 year old T. Immigrans colony is actually A. Picea. I just tried the olive oil for a barrier and it works amazing. They don't even try to climb it. Does this work for other species? Also, how often do you replace the barrier?

I haven't used it, but I would replace it if it looks dry or the ants start climbing it without many issues.