The Temnothorax clypeatus, known as the Clypeus Dwarf Ant, is a highly sought-after gem among European Temnothorax enthusiasts. Named after its distinctly shaped clypeus (the shield-like plate on the front of its head), this species is a highly specialized arboreal dwarf ant. Found primarily in old-growth forests of Central and Southern Europe, it is famous for nesting in the canopy, specifically in the dead branches of oak and beech trees.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Origin | Central and Southern Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Balkans) |
| Habitat | Deciduous forests, preferring old-growth oak and beech canopies |
| Colony type | Monogyne (Single queen; small colonies of 100–300 workers) |
| Queen size | 4.0mm – 4.8mm (Dark brown to blackish, robust for her size) |
| Worker size | 2.5mm – 3.5mm (Bicolored: yellowish-brown to dark brown highlights) |
| Nutrition | Honeydew/sugar water, nectar, and small soft-bodied insects |
| Humidity | Nest: 30% – 50% (Dry-loving arboreal species) |
| Temperature | Nest: 20°C – 24°C | Arena: 22°C – 26°C |
| Hibernation | Required (Nov to March at 5°C – 10°C) |
| Difficulty | 2/5 (Easy, but requires old-growth/wood setups) |
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