Lasius maltaeus

Lasius maltaeus

Lasius maltaeus is a small, recently described ant species endemic to Malta and Sicily in the Mediterranean region. Workers measure around 0.95mm and have a distinctive orange coloration with the gaster (back section) being darker orange-brown. This species holds the record for being the hairiest member of the Lasius emarginatus species complex, with extremely high setae counts on the head, scapes, and legs. They were first described in 2020 and are closely related to Lasius emarginatus, which has become a pest in some urban areas like New York City. In their natural habitat, they've been found nesting at the base of promenade walls, showing they adapt well to human-made structures.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Mediterranean islands of Malta and Sicily. Found in both natural and urban environments, including at the base of promenade walls ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Likely single-queen colonies (monogyne), typical of the Lasius genus. This is inferred from the closely related L. emarginatus and typical genus patterns.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, not yet documented in primary literature. Estimated 7-9mm based on related Lasius species.
  • Worker: 0.95mm (CS 948 µm) ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown for this specific species. Related L. emarginatus colonies reach several thousand workers.
  • Growth: Moderate, typical Lasius growth patterns
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature based on genus-level data for Lasius species. (This estimate is based on typical Lasius development patterns since specific data for L. maltaeus is not available.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 20-24°C. Mediterranean origin suggests they tolerate warmer conditions, but avoid overheating. A temperature gradient allows ants to regulate their own exposure.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity is acceptable. These ants are found in Mediterranean climates with dry summers, so avoid overly damp conditions. A water tube in the outworld provides drinking access.
  • Diapause: Likely yes, Mediterranean Lasius species typically require a winter rest period of 8-12 weeks at 5-10°C. This is inferred from related species behavior.
  • Nesting: Accepts most standard nest types. Test tubes, Y-tong (AAC), and plaster nests all work well for Lasius. They do well with some dry areas in the nest. Given their small size, ensure escape prevention is adequate.
• Behavior: Workers are active foragers that likely tend aphids for honeydew, similar to other Lasius species. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend their nest. Their small size means escape prevention must be excellent, they can squeeze through very small gaps. Workers likely have moderate longevity and the colony will show typical Lasius foraging patterns.
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their tiny 0.95mm worker size, newly described species means limited species-specific care information available, winter diapause is likely required but timing and duration specifics are unknown, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites that can devastate captive colonies

Housing and Nest Setup

Lasius maltaeus accepts various nest types commonly used in antkeeping. Test tubes with water reservoirs work well for founding colonies and can be used long-term. For established colonies, Y-tong (AAC) nests, plaster nests, or naturalistic setups all prove suitable. The key is providing a nest area with stable humidity and a separate outworld for foraging. Since workers are very small at under 1mm, ensure your setup has no gaps larger than 0.5mm, these ants can escape through remarkably small openings. A simple test tube setup with a cotton barrier and a small outworld container works perfectly for this species. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Like other Lasius species, Lasius maltaeus workers are sugar-loving ants that thrive on honeydew from aphids and sugar water or honey. Offer a constant source of sugar (honey water, sugar water, or raw honey) in the outworld. For protein, offer small insects like fruit flies, small mealworms, or cricket pieces. In the wild, these ants likely tend aphids and scale insects for honeydew, so sugar sources are essential for colony health. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, removing any uneaten prey after 24 hours. Sugar water should always be available.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Maintain temperatures around 20-24°C for optimal colony activity and brood development. These Mediterranean ants can tolerate warmer conditions but should be kept away from direct heat sources that could cause drying. A room-temperature setup around 21-23°C is often ideal. During winter, expect to provide a diapause period, reduce temperature to 5-10°C for 8-12 weeks. This can be done in a basement, garage, or refrigerator (if using a dedicated ant fridge). Reduce feeding during diapause and keep the colony slightly moist but not wet. Return to normal temperatures gradually in spring.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Lasius maltaeus workers are active foragers that will readily explore their outworld in search of food. The colony will establish defined trails once they find reliable food sources. Workers are relatively long-lived for their size, which helps the colony maintain its workforce through winter. The colony will grow from a handful of workers to several thousand over several years. Unlike some aggressive ant species, Lasius maltaeus is not particularly defensive and rarely bites. However, their small size makes them excellent escape artists, always use fluon or other barriers on the outworld rim and ensure any connections between nest and outworld are secure. ^[1]

Growth and Development

A newly mated queen will seal herself into a small chamber and raise her first brood without leaving the nest. She lives entirely on her stored fat reserves (this is called claustral founding). The first workers, called nanitics, are often smaller than subsequent workers and emerge 6-8 weeks after the eggs are laid, depending on temperature. After the nanitics arrive, the queen stops foraging and is entirely cared for by workers. The colony then grows steadily, with worker numbers increasing over the next 2-3 years to reach several thousand. Growth rate depends heavily on temperature and feeding, warmer conditions and abundant food speed development.

Frequently Asked Questions

References