Scientific illustration of Bothriomyrmex laticeps ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Bothriomyrmex laticeps

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Bothriomyrmex laticeps
Tribe
Bothriomyrmecini
Subfamily
Dolichoderinae
Author
Emery, 1925
Distribution
Found in 0 countries

Introduction

Bothriomyrmex laticeps is a species of ant in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, confirmed to inhabit France and Spain, particularly the Pyrenees region . Size data for this species is unavailable from current research. The species has a complex taxonomic history, having been synonymized with Bothriomyrmex corsicus and later revived as a distinct species . This ant is known for its rapid, erratic movement patterns, characteristic of the Bothriomyrmex genus, and is considered incertae sedis within the genus, meaning its precise taxonomic placement is uncertain .

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Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Origin & Habitat: Western Mediterranean region, confirmed in France and Spain [1].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, no specific data on colony structure for this species.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable
    • Worker: Size data unavailable
    • Colony: Unknown, no data on colony size for this species
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unknown, no data available (Development timeline is not studied for this species.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Based on typical Dolichoderinae patterns, keep temperatures around 22-26°C [3].
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged, based on genus nesting preferences [3].
    • Diapause: Unknown, no data on diapause for this species. Based on temperate distribution, winter rest may be needed, but unconfirmed.
    • Nesting: Based on genus patterns, likely nest in soil cavities or under stones. Use small test tube or Y-tong nest [3].
  • Behavior: Bothriomyrmex ants are known for rapid, erratic movement and are generally peaceful. Their small size makes escape prevention critical [3].
  • Common Issues: escape risk is high due to small size, ensure all barriers are secure., this species is rare in captivity with no established care protocols, start with more common species if inexperienced., diapause requirements are unconfirmed, monitor colony behavior during winter.

Taxonomic History and Identification

Bothriomyrmex laticeps has a complex taxonomic history. It was originally described as a subspecies of Bothriomyrmex corsicus, later synonymized, and then revived as a distinct species [2]. Currently, it is listed as incertae sedis within Bothriomyrmex, meaning its precise placement is uncertain [2]. This taxonomic uncertainty means the species has not been well-studied in the wild or captivity.

Distribution and Natural Habitat

Bothriomyrmex laticeps is confirmed to inhabit France and Spain, with the type locality in the Pyrenees region [1]. Like other Bothriomyrmex species, it likely nests in concealed locations such as under stones or in soil crevices, based on genus patterns [3].

Genus-Level Care Inferences

Since Bothriomyrmex laticeps has limited scientific study, care recommendations are inferred from the broader genus. Bothriomyrmex ants are small, rapid movers, and generally peaceful [3]. Provide a small nest with tight chambers, maintain warm temperatures around 22-26°C, and offer sugar water and small protein sources [3]. Escape prevention is critical due to their small size [3].

Why This Species Is Rare in Captivity

Bothriomyrmex laticeps is rare in the antkeeping hobby due to its limited distribution in France and Spain [1], cryptic nesting habits, and lack of established care protocols. Antkeepers interested in this genus should start with more common species like Bothriomyrmex corsicus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep Bothriomyrmex laticeps ants?

Care is not established for this species. Based on typical Bothriomyrmex requirements, use a small test tube or Y-tong nest, keep temperatures around 22-26°C, maintain moderate humidity, and provide sugar water plus small protein sources [3]. However, this is an educated guess, the species has not been documented in captivity.

What does Bothriomyrmex laticeps eat?

Not directly studied, but like other Dolichoderinae, they likely feed on honeydew and small insects. Offer sugar water or honey water as a constant energy source, plus small protein like fruit flies or small mealworm pieces [3].

How big do Bothriomyrmex laticeps colonies get?

Colony size is unknown for this specific species. No data is available on colony size [3].

Where is Bothriomyrmex laticeps found?

Confirmed in France and Spain, particularly the Pyrenees region [1]. This is a western Mediterranean species with a limited distribution.

Is Bothriomyrmex laticeps a good beginner species?

No, this species is not recommended for beginners. It has never been documented in the antkeeping hobby, has no established care protocols, and remains taxonomically uncertain. Start with more common species like Lasius niger or Tapinoma erraticum.

Does Bothriomyrmex laticeps need hibernation?

Unknown, no data on diapause for this species. Based on temperate distribution, winter rest may be needed, but unconfirmed.

Can I keep multiple Bothriomyrmex laticeps queens together?

Not recommended, there is no data on colony founding for this species. Most Bothriomyrmex are single-queen species, and combining unrelated queens typically leads to fighting.

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References

Creative Commons License

This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .