Lasius mauretanicus

Lasius mauretanicus

Lasius mauretanicus is a medium to large Formicinae ant native to Morocco and the Canary Islands. Workers are dark brown with pale yellowish-brown mandibles, scapes, and tibiae, and are covered in numerous long standing setae across all body parts ^[1]. This species was only recently described in 2020 and is the sister species to Lasius grandis, from which it differs in having longer maxillary palps, a larger torulo-clypeal distance, and more numerous body setae ^[1]. The species gets its name from Mauritania, the Latin name for the Maghreb region where it occurs. These ants behave aggressively when their nest is disturbed, making them a more challenging species for handling ^[1].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Morocco and Canary Islands, from sea level up to 2800m elevation ^[1]. In lower altitudes they prefer moist, sheltered forests of oak, willow, chestnut, and eucalyptus, as well as heather and laurel forests. At higher elevations above 1900m they inhabit open pastures and grasslands with spiny vegetation. In urban areas they nest in shady gardens with trees ^[1].
• Colony Type: Single-queen (monogyne) colonies, this is typical for the Lasius niger group. The colony structure follows the standard Lasius pattern.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 8-10mm based on typical Lasius niger group size (related species)
  • Worker: Medium to large, approximately 4-6mm based on typical Lasius worker size for this group ^[1]
  • Colony: Likely several thousand workers at maturity based on typical Lasius colony development
  • Growth: Moderate, typical Lasius development timeline
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature based on typical Lasius niger group development (Development follows standard Lasius patterns, claustral founding with queen raising first workers alone)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 22-26°C during active season. They prefer warm conditions matching their Mediterranean habitat. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a suitable gradient ^[1].
  • Humidity: Moderate, they prefer moist but not waterlogged conditions. Keep the nest substrate slightly damp, with some drier areas available. This matches their preference for sheltered, moist forest habitats at lower altitudes ^[1].
  • Diapause: Yes, as a temperate/Palaearctic species, they require a winter dormancy period. Reduce temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter, mimicking their natural seasonal cycle.
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) nests or plaster nests work well. They prefer tight chambers typical of Lasius nesting. Provide a water test tube as a humidity source. naturalistic setups with soil and stones also work, matching their natural nesting under stones and in soil in shaded areas.
• Behavior: These ants are aggressive when their nest is disturbed, this is a notable defensive behavior ^[1]. Workers are active foragers and will readily explore their outworld for food. They are medium-sized Lasius ants with good climbing ability, so escape prevention is important. They are not suitable for handling due to their defensive nature. They likely show typical Lasius foraging patterns, collecting honeydew and small insects.
• Common Issues: aggressive behavior makes them prone to biting when nest is disturbed, give them space during the founding stage, escape prevention is important, use fluon on nest edges and ensure any gaps are sealed, colonies may be slow to establish during claustral founding, avoid checking the nest too frequently, test tube flooding can drown founding queens, use appropriate water reservoir size, winter dormancy is required, failing to provide diapause can weaken or kill colonies

Housing and Nest Setup

Lasius mauretanicus does well in Y-tong (AAC) nests or plaster formicariums, which provide the tight chambers these ants prefer. The nest should have chambers scaled to their medium-large size. Provide a water test tube connected to the nest for humidity, Lasius species need access to free water. For the outworld, use a simple foraging area where you can offer food. Escape prevention is important, apply fluon or similar barriers to prevent escapes, especially around any connections between nest and outworld. A naturalistic setup with a soil layer and some stones can also work well, reflecting their natural nesting preferences in shaded, moist areas ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Like other Lasius species, these ants are omnivorous. Their primary protein sources are small insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms) and other arthropods. They also readily accept sugar sources, offer sugar water, honey, or diluted honey water regularly. In the wild, they likely tend aphids and collect honeydew, so providing a sugar source is important for colony health. Feed protein prey 2-3 times per week, and keep a sugar source available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Maintain temperatures between 22-26°C during the active season. A heating cable placed on part of the nest can create a temperature gradient, allowing the ants to self-regulate. During winter, they require a diapause period, reduce temperatures to 10-15°C for 2-3 months. This mimics their natural seasonal cycle in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. The alates (reproductives) are observed in mid-May in Morocco ^[1], suggesting the breeding season aligns with spring warming. Do not skip the winter dormancy, as it is essential for colony health and reproductive development.

Behavior and Handling

Lasius mauretanicus is notably aggressive when its nest is disturbed ^[1]. This is a key consideration for keepers, avoid excessive nest inspections, especially during the founding stage. Workers will readily bite in defense. This aggression also means they are not suitable for handling or for keepers who want to frequently observe their colony. However, their defensive behavior makes them interesting to observe, as they quickly mobilize to protect the nest. They are active foragers and will establish clear trails to food sources. Their medium size and good climbing ability mean all connections must be secure to prevent escapes.

Colony Development

As a claustral species, the queen seals herself in a small chamber and raises her first workers alone. She relies on stored fat reserves and does not forage during founding. The first workers (nanitics) will be smaller than mature workers. After the first workers emerge, the colony enters a growth phase. Development from egg to worker likely takes 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature, typical of the Lasius niger group. Colony growth is moderate, expect several months before you have a substantial number of workers. Mature colonies can reach several thousand workers. The species was only described in 2020,so specific development data is limited, but they follow standard Lasius patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

References