Bothriomyrmex saundersi

Bothriomyrmex saundersi

Bothriomyrmex saundersi is a tiny dolichoderine ant native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, found across Gibraltar, Portugal, and Spain. Workers are small at 2-4mm, with a uniform dark coloration and the typical smooth, rounded gaster characteristic of Dolichoderinae ants. This species belongs to the tribe Bothriomyrmecini, a group known for their unusual social parasitic lifestyle where queens invade and take over colonies of other ant species rather than founding their own colonies independently ^[1][2]. The genus split from its closest relative B. paradoxus occurred between 5-15 million years ago, making these ants relatively ancient in evolutionary terms ^[3].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Mediterranean region of the Palaearctic, found in Gibraltar, Portugal, and mainland Spain. In Portugal, they have been collected in matorral habitats with Quercus coccifera, Pistacia lentiscus, and Cistus species ^[4]. They prefer the Basal vegetation step in mountain ranges, avoiding higher elevations ^[5].
• Colony Type: Social parasite, this species does not found colonies independently. Queens invade and take over colonies of host ant species (particularly Tapinoma species) to establish their colony ^[4]. The colony structure depends entirely on the host colony.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Queen: Socially parasitic
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 4-5mm based on genus typical size
  • Worker: 2-4mm ^[4]
  • Colony: Unknown, dependent on host colony size
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, social parasitic founding differs from typical claustral development (Development is tied to host colony reproduction. The parasite queen kills or displaces the host queen and uses host workers to raise her brood.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature around 20-25°C, consistent with their Mediterranean origin. A slight gradient is beneficial.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity, they inhabit dry to moderately damp Mediterranean areas. Avoid overly humid conditions.
  • Diapause: Likely requires a mild winter rest period (2-3 months at 10-15°C) given their temperate Mediterranean distribution, though specific diapause behavior is unconfirmed.
  • Nesting: This is a social parasite, they cannot be kept in isolation. You must maintain a host colony (typically Tapinoma species) alongside or integrated with the parasite colony. Standard test tubes or acrylic nests work for the host colony.
• Behavior: These ants are social parasites, their queens infiltrate host ant colonies, kill or replace the host queen, and trick the host workers into raising their brood. Workers are small and non-aggressive. They do not forage independently in the typical sense. Escape risk is low given their tiny size, but their parasitic lifestyle makes them challenging to maintain. They are not known to sting ^[6].
• Common Issues: social parasitism makes this species extremely difficult to keep, you must maintain a healthy host colony, queen adoption by host workers is not guaranteed and often fails, without a compatible host colony, the parasite colony will not survive, this species cannot be started from a founding queen alone, they require host workers, very limited availability in the antkeeping hobby

Understanding Social Parasitism in Bothriomyrmex

Bothriomyrmex saundersi is a permanent social parasite, meaning it cannot survive without a host colony. Unlike ants that found their own colonies (claustral founding), Bothriomyrmex queens must find and invade an established colony of another ant species, typically Tapinoma species ^[4]. The parasite queen enters the host nest, kills or displaces the host queen, and uses chemical mimicry to trick host workers into accepting her. The host workers then raise the parasite's brood as if it were their own. This lifestyle is why Bothriomyrmex is considered a 'temporary social parasite' in some contexts, but in this case, it's permanent since the host queen is killed and replaced. This makes them fundamentally different from most ant species and extremely challenging to keep in captivity.

Housing and Host Colony Requirements

Keeping B. saundersi requires first establishing a healthy colony of a suitable host species, typically Tapinoma nigerrimum or related Tapinoma species, which have been found in the same habitats in the wild ^[4]. You cannot keep this species in isolation. The host colony should be housed in standard antkeeping setups (test tubes, acrylic nests, or Y-tong nests) appropriate for the host species. The parasite colony will integrate with or attach to the host colony. This is not a species for beginners, you need experience with both the host species and social parasite biology. Even with a host colony, successful integration is not guaranteed and often fails.

Feeding and Nutrition

Since B. saundersi relies on host workers for all care and foraging, you will feed the host colony. Tapinoma species typically accept sugar water, honey, and small protein sources like fruit flies or mealworms. The host workers will consume the food and share it with the parasite queen and brood through trophallaxis (mouth-to-mouth food sharing). Do not expect the parasite to forage independently, they are entirely dependent on the host's foraging behavior. Ensure the host colony is well-fed to support both populations.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As Mediterranean ants, Bothriomyrmex saundersi prefers warmer conditions, roughly 20-25°C. They have been found at low elevations in Spain (Basal vegetation step) and avoid higher mountain zones ^[5]. Given their Mediterranean distribution across Portugal and Spain, they likely experience mild winters but may require a brief cool period (2-3 months at 10-15°C) to simulate seasonal changes. However, specific diapause requirements are not well-documented in the scientific literature. Maintain stable temperatures without major fluctuations, and avoid cold drafts.

Why This Species Is Expert-Only

Bothriomyrmex saundersi is not recommended for most antkeepers for several critical reasons. First, they are social parasites that cannot establish colonies without a host, you cannot simply introduce a queen and wait for workers. Second, successful integration between parasite and host is difficult and often fails. Third, the host colony (typically Tapinoma) must also be maintained, doubling the complexity. Fourth, this species has extremely limited availability in the antkeeping hobby since they're rarely collected or sold. Fifth, even experienced keepers struggle with social parasites. If you're interested in parasitic ants, consider starting with more documented species or consult specialized literature before attempting B. saundersi.

Frequently Asked Questions

References