Bothriomyrmex crosi

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Unknown, limited captive data available
• Origin & Habitat: North Africa (Algeria, Libya, Morocco) in dry, rocky Mediterranean habitats. Type locality is Mascara, Algeria ^[2][3][1].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed colony structure, the genus Bothriomyrmex typically forms small colonies, but specific colony type for this species has not been documented.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Approximately 4-5mm, inferred from genus typical sizes, no direct measurements available for this species
  • Worker: Approximately 2-3mm, inferred from genus typical sizes, no direct measurements available for this species
  • Colony: Likely small, under 500 workers based on genus typical sizes
  • Growth: Unknown, no captive breeding data available
  • Development: Estimated 4-8 weeks based on typical Dolichoderinae development at warm temperatures (No direct development data exists for this species. Estimates based on related Dolichoderine ants in warm climates.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 22-28°C, they are a Mediterranean species adapted to hot conditions. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a gradient.
  • Humidity: Low to moderate, dry to semi-dry conditions matching their arid native habitat. Allow the nest to dry out between waterings.
  • Diapause: Likely a short winter rest period (2-3 months at 10-15°C) given their Mediterranean range, but this is unconfirmed for this specific species.
  • Nesting: In nature they nest in soil under stones in dry habitats. In captivity, a small test tube setup or Y-tong nest with dry to moderately humid chambers works well. Avoid overly damp conditions.
• Behavior: These are small, cryptic ants that are not aggressive. They are likely nocturnal or crepuscular foragers that prefer to stay hidden. Their small size means they pose minimal sting risk to humans, any sting would be very mild. They likely feed on honeydew from aphids or scale insects and small insects. Escape prevention is important due to their tiny size, use fine mesh barriers. They may have mild chemical defenses typical of Dolichoderinae.
• Common Issues: limited species-specific information makes care recommendations uncertain, small size creates escape risk without proper barriers, overly humid conditions may cause problems given their dry native habitat, no captive breeding data means growth timeline is uncertain, wild-caught colonies may be difficult to establish

Distribution and Natural Habitat

Bothriomyrmex crosi is found across the western Mediterranean region of North Africa, specifically in Algeria (including the type locality of Mascara), Libya, and Morocco. They inhabit dry to semi-arid rocky landscapes typical of the Mediterranean basin. In Morocco, they have been recorded in the Beni Snassen region and around Oulmes and Rommani. Their habitat consists of warm, dry areas with sparse vegetation where they nest beneath stones in the soil. The species was originally described by Santschi in 1919 from specimens collected in Algeria. The syntype series includes 87 workers, 2 queens, and 10 males ^[1][2][3][4].

Feeding and Diet

While no specific feeding studies exist for Bothriomyrmex crosi, the genus Bothriomyrmex is known to engage in trophobiosis, collecting honeydew from sap-sucking insects like aphids and scale insects. A related species has been observed with nymphs of Tettigometra (a sap-sucking insect), confirming this feeding behavior ^[5]. In captivity, you should offer sugar water or honey water as a carbohydrate source, along with small live prey like fruit flies or pinhead crickets. Given their tiny size, prey items should be appropriately small. They likely forage at night and prefer to stay hidden within their nest during the day.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a Mediterranean species from North Africa, Bothriomyrmex crosi is adapted to warm conditions. Keep the nest area at roughly 22-28°C, with a warmer side around 26-28°C and a cooler side around 22-24°C. A heating cable placed on top of the nest can provide this gradient. During winter, they likely experience a period of reduced activity corresponding to the cooler Mediterranean winters. Provide a short hibernation period of 2-3 months at temperatures around 10-15°C. This winter rest is typical for ants from temperate to warm-temperate regions and helps trigger proper reproductive cycles in spring.

Nest Setup and Housing

In their natural habitat, Bothriomyrmex crosi nests in soil beneath stones in dry, rocky areas. For captivity, a small test tube setup works well for founding colonies, while a Y-tong nest with narrow chambers suits established colonies. Keep the nest relatively dry, these ants come from arid regions and do not require high humidity. A small water reservoir in the test tube provides enough moisture without creating overly damp conditions. Because of their tiny size, escape prevention is critical. Use fine mesh barriers and ensure all openings are sealed. Avoid tall, open outworlds as these small ants may become stressed in exposed spaces.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Bothriomyrmex ants are known for their cryptic behavior, they prefer to stay hidden and are not aggressive toward keepers. When threatened, they may emit defensive chemicals from their anal gland, typical of Dolichoderine ants, but this is mild compared to the painful stings of some other ant genera. Workers are small and likely forage individually or in small groups, collecting honeydew and small insects. The colony structure (whether they have one queen or multiple) remains unconfirmed for this specific species. Based on genus patterns, they likely form small colonies with relatively slow growth rates compared to faster-growing tropical species.

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References