Bothriomyrmex pubens

Bothriomyrmex pubens

Bothriomyrmex pubens is a small ant species measuring 2-4mm, belonging to the Dolichoderinae subfamily. The species is native to North Africa, specifically found in Tunisia and Algeria across the Palaearctic region. Workers are typically uniform in color with the characteristic Dolichoderine appearance, smooth body, relatively small eyes, and a compact build. Queens are slightly larger than workers and possess the morphological adaptations typical of temporary social parasites. This species represents one of the more obscure members of the Bothriomyrmex genus, which is known for its parasitic lifestyle targeting Tapinoma species as host colonies. The genus gets its name from the Greek 'bothrios' meaning pit or cavity, referring to distinctive morphological features. These ants are rarely encountered by hobbyists due to their specialized parasitic lifestyle and limited distribution.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: North Africa, Tunisia and Algeria. Found in Mediterranean habitats across the Sahel and semi-arid regions of the Palaearctic zone ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Temporary social parasite. Queens invade host colonies (primarily Tapinoma species), kill the host queen, and use host workers to raise their first brood until their own workers emerge.
  • Queen: Temporary parasitic
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 4-5mm based on genus typical measurements ^[3]
  • Worker: Estimated 2-3mm based on genus typical measurements ^[3]
  • Colony: Unknown for this specific species, genus-level data suggests small colonies of several hundred workers at maturity
  • Growth: Unknown, likely moderate, dependent on host colony resources
  • Development: Unknown for this species. Based on typical Dolichoderine development, estimate 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature. (Development is dependent on host colony resources during the parasitic phase. First workers (nanitics) are raised by host workers, not by the parasite queen.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature, roughly 20-26°C. Mediterranean species, they prefer warm conditions but can tolerate normal indoor temperatures. Provide a gentle thermal gradient if possible.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity. These are not moisture-dependent ants, typical Mediterranean dry-to-moderate conditions. Allow the nest to dry partially between waterings.
  • Diapause: Likely, most North African Mediterranean species enter a winter rest period. Reduce temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter.
  • Nesting: Cannot found colonies independently. Requires a host Tapinoma colony to establish. In captivity, you must introduce the queen to an established Tapinoma colony. Natural nests are within host colonies, typically under stones or in soil.
• Behavior: Non-aggressive by nature, they rely on host workers and avoid confrontation. Workers are small and not particularly defensive. Escape risk is moderate, small size but they are not strong climbers. They spend most of their time within the host nest. Foraging is done by host workers, not the parasite species.
• Common Issues: establishment failure, getting the queen accepted by host colony is extremely difficult and often fails, host colony rejection, Tapinoma workers may kill the invading queen, colony collapse, if host queen is not killed properly or if host workers reject the parasite brood, identification difficulty, requires confirmed Tapinoma host colony for successful keeping, very limited availability, this species is rarely available in the antkeeping hobby

Understanding Temporary Social Parasitism

Bothriomyrmex pubens is a temporary social parasite, this is the most critical aspect of keeping this species. Unlike most ant species where the queen founds a colony alone, Bothriomyrmex queens must invade an established colony of their host species (typically Tapinoma species) to establish their colony. The parasite queen enters the host nest, locates and kills the host queen, then uses the host's worker force to raise her own brood. Once the first workers of the parasite species emerge, they gradually replace the host workers until the colony becomes purely Bothriomyrmex. This process can take several months to over a year. In captivity, you cannot start a colony from a single queen, you must introduce her to an existing, healthy Tapinoma colony. Even experienced keepers report high failure rates with this method.

Host Colony Requirements

Successful keeping of Bothriomyrmex pubens requires a healthy Tapinoma colony as the host. Tapinoma species are small (2-3mm), fast-moving ants that readily accept sugar and protein foods. They are common in the Mediterranean and some species are kept by hobbyists. You will need to maintain both the host colony and the parasite queen simultaneously. The host colony should be well-established with at least 50-100 workers before introducing the parasite queen. Some keepers report better success by introducing the queen during the host's nuptial flight season when the colony is most receptive to new queens. The introduction method typically involves placing the parasite queen near the host colony's queen chamber or directly onto the brood pile, though success rates vary significantly.

Feeding and Nutrition

During the parasitic phase, Bothriorymex pubens does not forage for itself, host workers provide all nutrition. Once established, workers will likely accept similar foods to their hosts: sugar water, honey, and small protein sources like fruit flies or small mealworm pieces. Feed the host colony standard ant foods, the parasite colony will consume through trophallaxis (food sharing between ants). Sugar sources should be available constantly. Protein should be offered 2-3 times per week. Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent mold. The colony's nutritional needs are modest compared to non-parasitic species.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Bothriomyrmex pubens originates from Tunisia and Algeria, which have hot summers and mild winters. Keep the colony at room temperature, ideally 22-26°C during the active season. They can tolerate temperatures down to 15°C without issues. During winter (roughly November through February in the Northern Hemisphere), reduce temperatures to 10-15°C to simulate natural conditions. This winter rest period is important for colony health and may trigger reproductive behavior. Do not let temperatures drop below 5°C or exceed 30°C. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create a thermal gradient if your room is cool. ^[1]

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Bothriomyrmex pubens has a very limited distribution in North Africa. It is not commonly available in the antkeeping hobby, and established colonies are rarely traded. If you obtain a queen or colony, ensure it was legally collected and exported. Never release this or any non-native ant species in North America, Europe, or any region where they are not native, they could become invasive or disrupt native ecosystems. If you can no longer keep your colony, consider offering it to another experienced keeper rather than releasing it. ^[1][2]

Frequently Asked Questions

References