Plagiolepis invadens

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Currently known only from a single supercolony in Hofheim, Germany (49.657°N,8.418°E) at 92 m elevation ^[1]. The site is a settlement with about 30% greenery and 70% buildings or sealed surfaces ^[2]. The native range is unknown – this appears to be an introduced population.
• Colony Type: Supercolonial – multiple nests cooperate as a single colony with extremely high queen density. This is a newly described invasive species with no native range data available.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown – queen caste has not been described
  • Worker: Approximately 1.5–2.5 mm total length (inferred from related Plagiolepis species) ^[1]
  • Colony: Extremely large – supercolony with mass worker populations ^[1]
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown – no development data available for this species (Development timeline has not been studied. Related Plagiolepis species typically develop from egg to worker in 4–8 weeks at warm temperatures (genus-level inference).)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Requirements unconfirmed. Based on the Hofheim location (European temperate climate), they likely tolerate typical room temperatures (18–24°C). Start around 20–22°C and observe colony activity.
  • Humidity: Requirements unconfirmed. The German location suggests tolerance to moderate humidity. Provide a humidity gradient in the nest – mostly dry with one small moist area.
  • Diapause: Likely requires winter diapause given the central European origin. Provide 3–4 months at 5–10°C during winter. Reduce or stop feeding during this period.
  • Nesting: Natural nesting behavior unconfirmed. The supercolony suggests extensive underground nesting. In captivity, use a test tube setup with fine substrate suitable for their tiny size.
• Behavior: This species is notably invasive – workers actively entered homes in large numbers during hot, dry summers ^[1]. They may have displaced native Lasius niger colonies. Their extremely small size means they can squeeze through very small gaps – escape prevention is critical. Handle with caution around heated enclosures and food sources.
• Common Issues: extremely small size makes escape prevention critical – use fine mesh barriers (≤0.5 mm)., invasive species – never release in North America or other non-native areas, this can cause severe ecological harm., pest behavior – colonies may invade living spaces if given access to food or warmth., supercolonial structure means very large colonies that need lots of space over time., virtually no captive care information exists – this is an expert-only species., unknown native range means temperature and humidity requirements are educated guesses.

Understanding Plagiolepis invadens

This species was first noticed as a single supercolony in Hofheim, Germany around 2016 and formally described in 2020 ^[1]. The species name 'invadens' comes from Latin meaning 'invasive' – a reference to its behavior of entering houses in large numbers during hot, dry summers. The workers are among the tiniest ants you'll encounter, with body lengths around 1.5–2.5 mm (inferred from related species). This tiny size, combined with its supercolonial structure (multiple nests cooperating as one massive colony), explains how it can overwhelm outdoor spaces and even enter homes. The colony appears to have displaced the common Lasius niger from the area, suggesting competitive superiority or different ecological preferences.

Because the native range is unknown, exact care requirements are uncertain. They may originate from a warmer climate than central Germany, or they could be a cold-tolerant species. This makes them suitable only for experienced antkeepers who can adapt care based on colony behavior.

Housing and Escape Prevention

Given their extremely small size, escape prevention is critical. Workers can squeeze through gaps that would hold back larger species. Use only fine mesh (≤0.5 mm) on any ventilation, and seal all connections between outworld and nest. Even standard test tube setups may need extra barrier protection, such as fluon or petroleum jelly applied around the rim.

A test tube setup works for founding, but expect rapid expansion once established. The supercolonial nature means they may need more space than typical ants over time. Consider a naturalistic setup with fine substrate if you plan a large colony. However, be warned – their invasive tendencies in the wild suggest they may attempt to escape in search of food or better conditions.

Keep the housing away from walls and edges where they might find gaps. Inspect enclosures daily for the first few weeks. Use a catch tray or moat for extra security. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Dietary requirements are not documented for this species. Based on the Plagiolepis genus, they are omnivorous with a preference for honeydew and small soft-bodied insects. In captivity, offer sugar water or diluted honey at all times. For protein, provide small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or tiny mealworms. Their tiny size means even small prey may be challenging – offer pre‑killed or injured items that workers can manage.

The invasive behavior observed – mass foragers entering houses during dry summers – suggests they are highly motivated foragers that will exploit food sources aggressively ^[1]. Monitor feeding closely, as small colonies may need more frequent offerings. Remove uneaten sugar sources after 2–3 days to prevent mold.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Since the native range is unknown, exact temperature requirements cannot be confirmed. The German location indicates they tolerate central European conditions, including cold winters. Keep the colony at room temperature (around 20–22°C) as a starting point and adjust based on activity levels.

Given their temperate origin, provide a winter diapause of 3–4 months at cool temperatures (5–10°C). This can be done by moving the colony to an unheated garage or basement during winter. Do not feed during diapause, but ensure the nest does not dry out completely. If the colony originates from a warmer region, they may remain active year‑round with adequate heat. Watch for signs of discomfort – clustering suggests they want warmer conditions, scattered behavior may indicate overheating. ^[1]

Legal and Ethical Considerations

This species is documented as invasive in Germany. While its native range is unknown, the potential for ecological harm if introduced to new areas is significant. NEVER release this species or any of its queens or workers into the wild in North America, Australia, or other regions where it is not established.

Additionally, this species may not be legally available in all jurisdictions. Some regions restrict or prohibit keeping invasive ant species. Before acquiring Plagiolepis invadens, verify that keeping it is legal in your area and that you can provide proper containment.

Because of the extremely limited data, only experienced antkeepers should attempt to keep this species. The lack of captive breeding information means unexpected challenges are likely. Consider whether you have the expertise and resources before acquiring a colony. ^[1][2]

Frequently Asked Questions

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