Temnothorax marae

Temnothorax marae

Temnothorax marae is a tiny ant species endemic to southeastern Sicily and the Maltese islands. Workers measure just 0.5-0.6mm and are mostly yellowish with a dark blackish gaster or distinctive black transverse band across the abdomen. Queens are slightly larger at around 0.64mm and share the yellowish body coloration with blackish gaster segments. This species is the most warmth-loving Temnothorax in Sicily, found only at low altitudes between 5-175 meters in dry shrubland habitats, leaf litter, and pine forests. Colonies are small and single-queen, typically nesting in dead twigs either on bushes or lying on the ground ^[1].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Restricted to southeastern Sicily (Hyblaean Plateau) and the Maltese islands. This species thrives in hot, dry Mediterranean habitats including phryganas (dry shrublands), leaf litter, native Pinus halepensis forests, and areas under riparian vegetation. Its habitat has been reduced by coastal development and agricultural activities ^[1].
• Colony Type: Small, single-queen (monogyne) colonies. Each nest contains only one reproductive queen, and colonies are always small with just a handful of workers ^[1].
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~0.64mm ^[1], extremely small, among the tiniest ant queens
  • Worker: 0.5-0.6mm ^[1], very tiny ants, difficult to see without magnification
  • Colony: Small, likely under 100 workers given the tiny colony size typical of this genus
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for tiny Temnothorax species
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on typical Temnothorax development at warm temperatures (Development likely faster than average due to this species' preference for warm conditions (5-175m altitude, more thermophilous than other Sicilian Temnothorax))
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, this is a thermophilous species. Aim for 22-26°C, with a slight gradient allowing warmer spots. Avoid cool conditions ^[1]
  • Humidity: Low to moderate, prefers dry Mediterranean conditions. Keep substrate moderately dry, not waterlogged. Provide a small water tube but avoid excessive moisture ^[1]
  • Diapause: Likely requires a mild winter rest period (diapause) of 2-3 months at 10-15°C, typical for Mediterranean Temnothorax species
  • Nesting: Prefers tiny nesting spaces, in the wild they nest in dead twigs on bushes or on the ground. For captivity, use a small test tube setup or Y-tong nest with very narrow chambers scaled to their tiny size. They may also accept small cork bark or twig setups ^[1]
• Behavior: Generally peaceful and non-aggressive. Workers are tiny and slow-moving. They forage individually for small prey and honeydew. Escape prevention is critical due to their extremely small size, they can squeeze through gaps that larger ants cannot. Use fine mesh barriers and ensure all openings are sealed ^[1].
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical, their tiny size means they can escape through the smallest gaps, colonies are very small, do not overfeed as excess prey can mold and kill colonies, wild-caught colonies may be stressed from their specialized habitat requirements, as a host species for the parasite T. muellerianus, watch for signs of social parasitism, slow growth can frustrate beginners, these are not fast-growing ants

Housing and Nest Setup

Temnothorax marae requires appropriately scaled housing due to its extremely small size. In the wild, these ants nest in dead twigs on bushes or lying on the ground, sometimes directly in soil or other ground microhabitats. For captivity, a small test tube setup works well, use a standard test tube with a cotton plug, filled with water and backed with cotton. The tiny colony can also be housed in a small Y-tong (AAC) nest with narrow chambers, or a small naturalistic setup with cork bark or twigs. Because of their minute size, ensure all connections and barriers are tight, even small gaps that wouldn't concern larger ants will allow escapes. A small outworld area for foraging completes the setup ^[1].

Temperature and Heating

This species is more thermophilous than any other Sicilian Temnothorax, meaning it prefers warmer conditions than its relatives. Keep the nest area at 22-26°C, with a gentle temperature gradient allowing workers to choose their preferred spot. A small heating cable or mat on one side of the nest can achieve this, but avoid overheating, keep the warm side around 26°C maximum. Room temperature in the low-to-mid 20s°C is often suitable. Do not keep them cool, this species has evolved in hot lowland Mediterranean habitats and will not thrive in cool conditions. Males were produced in captivity during July, suggesting warm summer conditions stimulate reproduction ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Like other Temnothorax species, T. marae likely feeds on small insects, honeydew from aphids, and nectar. In captivity, offer tiny prey items appropriate to their size, fruit flies, small pinhead crickets, or tiny pieces of mealworm. They will also accept sugar water or honey diluted with water, offered on a tiny piece of cotton or in a shallow container. Feed sparingly, a few tiny prey items every few days is sufficient for a small colony. Remove any uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Their small colony size means overfeeding is a common mistake that can lead to mold and colony death

Humidity and Water

As a species from hot, dry Mediterranean habitats, T. marae prefers relatively dry conditions. Keep the nest substrate moderately dry, damp but not wet. A small water tube in the test tube setup provides constant access to moisture without creating excess humidity. Mist the outworld occasionally but avoid creating a constantly wet environment. The substrate should dry out between waterings. Their natural habitat in phryganas and dry shrublands experiences long hot summers with minimal rainfall, so they are adapted to drier conditions than many other ant species ^[1].

Winter Care and Diapause

Although from a warm Mediterranean region, T. marae likely benefits from a mild winter rest period. Reduce temperatures to around 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter, mimicking the cooler Sicilian winter. Reduce feeding during this period as colony activity slows. Do not freeze them, a cool basement or refrigerator crisper drawer works well. The diapause helps synchronize the colony's annual cycle and may improve queen health and longevity. Return to normal temperatures gradually in spring

Colony Dynamics and Growth

Temnothorax marae forms small colonies with a single queen. Colonies in the wild are always monogynous (one queen) and small in size. In captivity, expect slow growth, these are tiny ants with naturally small colony sizes. The first workers (nanitics) will be very small and may take 6-10 weeks to develop from egg to worker at optimal temperatures. Growth will remain gradual even after the colony establishes. Do not expect rapid colony expansion. Queens can live for several years with proper care. One documented colony was found hosting the parasitic ant T. muellerianus (a slave-maker) in the Vendicari nature reserve, while this is unlikely in captivity, it demonstrates this species can serve as a host ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

References