
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tetramorium tsushimae
A small Tetramorium ant, the commonest ant in western Japan. Polygynous and polydomous, forming colonies of tens to hundreds of thousands; eats sweets, meat and seeds alike and is a hardy beginner species.
Tetramorium tsushimae is a myrmicine ant distributed from Hokkaido to Kyushu, Tsushima and Yakushima, and abroad in China and the Russian Far East. Workers measure 2.5mm and queens 7-8mm; the body is brown to blackish brown with longitudinal wrinkles on the head and mesosoma. It lives in open habitats such as grassland, nesting at the base of herbs and under stones, and is the commonest ant in southwestern Japan, abundant even in cities. Polygynous and polydomous, colonies grow to tens or hundreds of thousands of workers, and mating occurs both in nuptial flights and inside the nest. It is omnivorous, favouring sweets and meat and also collecting seeds; in captivity it takes sugar water, insects and seeds readily. The Japanese population was long placed under the European T. caespitum, but differences in queen morphology and habits support the name T. tsushimae. Because it is polygynous, several new queens can be kept together, and its hardiness and easy management make it a beginner species.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Tobiiro Shiwa Ant lives Queens 3-7 years.
The Tobiiro Shiwa Ant grows to Workers 2.5mm, queens 7-8mm.
The ideal temperature for the Tobiiro Shiwa Ant is 23〜25℃.
Origin
Hokkaido to Kyushu, Tsushima, Yakushima; China, Russian Far East
Sources: AntRoom: How to keep ants (JP) / Wikipedia (ja): トビイロシワアリ / Japanese Ant Image Database (トビイロシワアリ)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Tetramorium tsushimae Emery, 1925
Synonyms: Tetramorium caespitum tsushimae, Tetramorium jacoti
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Queens 3-7 years
Size
Workers 2.5mm, queens 7-8mm
Temperature
23〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Omnivorous: sugars, insects and seeds
Keep at 23-25C, never above 30C. Honshu stock overwinters indoors unheated. It needs constant moisture, so never let the plaster or test tube dry out.
Being polygynous, several dealated queens can be placed together in a test tube to found. Mating also occurs inside the nest, so colonies may replace queens internally.
New queens from the same locality can be kept together. Workers from other colonies or other species cannot be mixed in.
With multiple queens it multiplies fast and can reach tens of thousands. Expand nest and foraging area early and keep the setup easy to clean.
At just 2.5mm it escapes easily; a sealed container and escape barrier are essential. Soak liquid food into cotton to prevent drowning.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Tobiiro Shiwa Ant is 23〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Tobiiro Shiwa Ant is Queens 3-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Tobiiro Shiwa Ant typically reaches Workers 2.5mm, queens 7-8mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Tobiiro Shiwa Ant feeds on: Omnivorous: sugars, insects and seeds. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Tobiiro Shiwa Ant varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026