{"product_id":"tetraponera-rufonigra","title":"Tetraponera rufonigra","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"452\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"3\" data-end=\"28\"\u003eTetraponera rufonigra\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fascinating species of arboreal ant native to South and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the genus \u003cem data-start=\"136\" data-end=\"149\"\u003eTetraponera\u003c\/em\u003e, known for its ants with elongated bodies and agile behavior, adapted to living mainly in trees and vegetation. This species stands out for its \u003cstrong data-start=\"305\" data-end=\"342\"\u003echaracteristic bicolor coloration\u003c\/strong\u003e, combining reddish and black tones, which makes it one of the most recognizable ants of its genus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"682\"\u003eIn addition to its distinctive appearance, \u003cstrong data-start=\"490\" data-end=\"515\"\u003eTetraponera rufonigra\u003c\/strong\u003e is known for its fast and defensive behavior, as well as its arboreal lifestyle, where it builds its colonies inside hollow branches or plant stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"317e23\" data-start=\"689\" data-end=\"732\"\u003eCharacteristics of Tetraponera rufonigra\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"827\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"745\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e South and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and nearby regions)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"877\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"849\"\u003eColony type:\u003c\/strong\u003e generally \u003cstrong data-start=\"863\" data-end=\"877\"\u003emonogynous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"948\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"894\"\u003eColoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e characteristic combination of \u003cstrong data-start=\"925\" data-end=\"948\"\u003edark red and black\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"3evarr\" data-start=\"950\" data-end=\"979\"\u003eCharacteristic morphology\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1189\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"189bku4\" data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1012\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1012\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"990\" data-end=\"1012\"\u003eelongated and slender\u003c\/strong\u003e body\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ussjxm\" data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1067\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1067\"\u003elong legs adapted for movement on branches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"12dzig1\" data-start=\"1068\" data-end=\"1135\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1070\" data-end=\"1135\"\u003erelatively large head with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1135\"\u003ewell-developed mandibles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ufgu8w\" data-start=\"1136\" data-end=\"1189\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1138\" data-end=\"1189\"\u003every marked waist typical of the genus \u003cem data-start=\"1176\" data-end=\"1189\"\u003eTetraponera\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1293\"\u003eWorkers usually measure between \u003cstrong data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1235\"\u003e7 and 10 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, while queens can exceed \u003cstrong data-start=\"1280\" data-end=\"1292\"\u003e11–13 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1446\"\u003eThese characteristics are directly related to their \u003cstrong data-start=\"1356\" data-end=\"1406\"\u003earboreal life and predatory behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e, which requires great mobility and speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"1e5x7br\" data-start=\"1453\" data-end=\"1471\"\u003eNatural habitat\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1473\" data-end=\"1632\"\u003eIn nature, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1516\"\u003eTetraponera rufonigra\u003c\/strong\u003e lives mainly in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1576\"\u003etropical and subtropical areas\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it establishes its colonies in plant structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1634\" data-end=\"1666\"\u003eTheir nests are usually found in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1668\" data-end=\"1777\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1v0uk88\" data-start=\"1668\" data-end=\"1697\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1670\" data-end=\"1697\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1670\" data-end=\"1697\"\u003ehollow tree branches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"qy86ut\" data-start=\"1698\" data-end=\"1717\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1717\"\u003eplant stems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rb36nf\" data-start=\"1718\" data-end=\"1741\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"1741\"\u003ebamboo or soft wood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5450ol\" data-start=\"1742\" data-end=\"1777\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1744\" data-end=\"1777\"\u003edense vegetation in warm areas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1779\" data-end=\"1921\"\u003eUnlike many ants that dig in the ground, this species \u003cstrong data-start=\"1849\" data-end=\"1893\"\u003euses natural cavities in wood\u003c\/strong\u003e to establish its colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"2028\"\u003eThis type of habitat provides them with protection against predators and extreme environmental conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"1cfb44o\" data-start=\"2035\" data-end=\"2052\"\u003eBehavior\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2137\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2083\"\u003eTetraponera rufonigra\u003c\/strong\u003e exhibit very active and territorial behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2191\"\u003eAmong their most interesting behaviors are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2193\" data-end=\"2363\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1fbhiss\" data-start=\"2193\" data-end=\"2247\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2247\"\u003efast and agile movement on branches and structures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"l0jp46\" data-start=\"2248\" data-end=\"2292\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2250\" data-end=\"2292\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2265\" data-end=\"2292\"\u003edefensive and territorial\u003c\/strong\u003e behavior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1td9cqf\" data-start=\"2293\" data-end=\"2328\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2328\"\u003econstant exploration of the environment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1gbfynv\" data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"2363\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2363\"\u003eactive hunting of small insects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2365\" data-end=\"2505\"\u003eWorkers are \u003cstrong data-start=\"2381\" data-end=\"2408\"\u003eefficient predators\u003c\/strong\u003e, capturing insects that they use as the main source of protein to feed the colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2507\" data-end=\"2624\"\u003eIn captivity, their constant activity and hunting style make them a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2592\" data-end=\"2623\"\u003every interesting species to observe\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"1xgyu05\" data-start=\"2631\" data-end=\"2646\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2648\" data-end=\"2744\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2651\" data-end=\"2676\"\u003eTetraponera rufonigra\u003c\/strong\u003e is primarily \u003cstrong data-start=\"2695\" data-end=\"2710\"\u003einsectivorous\u003c\/strong\u003e, although it also consumes sugars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2746\" data-end=\"2764\"\u003eRecommended diet:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2766\" data-end=\"2889\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"fmmns3\" data-start=\"2766\" data-end=\"2824\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"2824\"\u003esmall insects (flies, crickets, small cockroaches)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"u8xbir\" data-start=\"2825\" data-end=\"2857\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2827\" data-end=\"2857\"\u003esugar water or diluted honey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"2779j2\" data-start=\"2858\" data-end=\"2889\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2889\"\u003eoccasionally ripe fruits\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2891\" data-end=\"3041\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2895\" data-end=\"2920\"\u003eInsect proteins\u003c\/strong\u003e are essential for larval development, while sugary sources provide energy to the workers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"1lkfde8\" data-start=\"3048\" data-end=\"3078\"\u003eAnt farm recommendation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3080\" data-end=\"3243\"\u003eDue to their arboreal nature, this species adapts best to systems that simulate cavities in wood or narrow spaces where they can establish their colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3245\" data-end=\"3274\"\u003eIt is advisable to provide:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3276\" data-end=\"3371\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"wxozrn\" data-start=\"3276\" data-end=\"3323\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3278\" data-end=\"3323\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3278\" data-end=\"3323\"\u003enests with elongated chambers or log-type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16dkr9r\" data-start=\"3324\" data-end=\"3343\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3326\" data-end=\"3343\"\u003egood ventilation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ga776r\" data-start=\"3344\" data-end=\"3371\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3346\" data-end=\"3371\"\u003elarge foraging areas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3373\" data-end=\"3506\"\u003eModular systems allow easy observation of colony development and facilitate nest expansion as it grows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3508\" data-end=\"3658\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"3512\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003eAntMaster foraging areas\u003c\/strong\u003e provide the ideal space for these ants to explore, hunt insects, and develop their natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"19h6tuv\" data-start=\"3665\" data-end=\"3706\"\u003eImportant purchase information\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3779\"\u003e⚠️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3779\"\u003eAntMaster is not the seller or intermediary for this species.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3781\" data-end=\"4013\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThis listing is for informational purposes only within the species catalog. If you decide to purchase this species, you will be redirected to the original supplier's website, \u003cstrong data-start=\"3949\" data-end=\"3964\"\u003eAntMerchant\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the purchase, payment, and shipping will take place.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntMerchant","offers":[{"title":"Queen + 10-20 workers","offer_id":53778183979272,"sku":null,"price":69.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Queen + 20-30 workers","offer_id":53778184012040,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Queen + 30-50 workers","offer_id":53778184044808,"sku":null,"price":99.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Queen + 100+ workers","offer_id":53778184077576,"sku":null,"price":135.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens 11-20 workers","offer_id":53778184110344,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens 20-30 workers","offer_id":53778184143112,"sku":null,"price":124.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens 30-50 workers","offer_id":53778184175880,"sku":null,"price":245.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Queens 30-50 Workers","offer_id":53778184208648,"sku":null,"price":169.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/3910\/0680\/files\/GeneratedImageMarch15_2026-1_33PM.jpg?v=1773578109","url":"https:\/\/www.antmastershop.com\/en\/products\/tetraponera-rufonigra","provider":"Antmaster","version":"1.0","type":"link"}