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

Plagiolepis perperamus

Polygynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Plagiolepis perperamus
Tribe
Plagiolepidini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Salata <i>et al.</i>, 2018
Distribution
Found in 2 countries
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Introduction

Plagiolepis perperamus is a small ant native to the eastern Mediterranean region, including Greece, Turkey, Iran, Cyprus, and Azerbaijan . Workers are small, with a trapezoidal head and dense abdominal hairs . This species inhabits humid areas like macchia and forests, nesting in soil beneath rocks . It was formally described in 2018 after being confused with Plagiolepis pallescens . Colonies are polygynous (multiple queens) and polydomous (multiple nest sites), which is unusual for antkeepers .

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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: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Eastern Mediterranean species native to Greece, Turkey, Iran, Cyprus, and Azerbaijan. Found in humid areas overgrown by macchia or forests, nesting in soil beneath rocks. Prefers warm habitats from sea level to about 600m, often in human-modified landscapes [1][2][3][4].
  • Colony Type: Polygynous (multiple queens) and polydomous (multiple connected nest sites) [1][2].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Approximately 3-4mm, inferred from Plagiolepis genus [5]
    • Worker: Approximately 2-3mm, inferred from Plagiolepis genus [5]
    • Colony: Up to several hundred workers, estimated based on polygynous structure [1]
    • Growth: Moderate
    • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperatures, based on genus patterns [5] (Direct development data unavailable, estimate based on typical Plagiolepis growth)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, around low-to-mid 20s°C, based on Mediterranean habitat [1][3]
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, based on humid habitat [1][2]
    • Diapause: Unknown, no specific diapause data for this species
    • Nesting: Soil-nesting species, use Y-tong or plaster nests with soil chamber [1]
  • Behavior: Workers are active foragers, not aggressive, and flee from disturbance. Their small size means excellent escape prevention is essential. Colonies are polygynous, so multiple queens may coexist [1][3].
  • Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their tiny size, use fine mesh barriers and tight-fitting lids., polygynous colonies may have complex queen dynamics, monitor for aggression during founding., wild-caught colonies may carry parasites that can devastate captive colonies., humidity control is important, too dry and brood dies, too wet and mold becomes an issue.

Housing and Nest Setup

You should use a Y-tong or plaster nest with a soil chamber for this soil-nesting species. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, mimicking their natural humid habitat. Because workers are tiny, escape prevention is critical, use tight-fitting lids, apply Fluon barriers, and cover air holes with fine mesh. Provide a small outworld for foraging [1][2].

Feeding and Diet

You should offer protein sources like small crickets or fruit flies twice weekly, plus a constant sugar source like honey water. Workers forage in vegetation in the wild, so they will accept these foods [1].

Colony Structure and Multi-Queen Dynamics

Colonies are polygynous, meaning multiple queens live together. You may see queens coexisting peacefully, which can speed up colony growth. Monitor for any aggression during founding [1][2].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep the nest warm, around low-to-mid 20s°C, based on their Mediterranean habitat. A heating cable can create a gradient for self-regulation. Diapause requirements are unknown, so observe your colony's behavior [1][3].

Growth and Development

Development timeline is estimated at 6-8 weeks from egg to worker based on genus patterns. Be patient during founding, as queens seal themselves in [5].

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Plagiolepis perperamus to produce first workers?

Direct data is unavailable, but based on typical Plagiolepis development, expect 6-8 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperatures [5].

Can I keep multiple Plagiolepis perperamus queens together?

Yes, this species is naturally polygynous, meaning colonies have multiple queens that coexist peacefully [1].

What size colony does Plagiolepis perperamus reach?

Colonies can reach up to several hundred workers, estimated based on their polygynous structure [1].

What do Plagiolepis perperamus eat?

They are omnivorous with a protein preference. Feed small insects twice weekly plus a constant sugar source [1].

Are Plagiolepis perperamus good for beginners?

This is a medium-difficulty species. They are hardy but require escape prevention due to their small size and warm, humid conditions.

Do Plagiolepis perperamus need hibernation?

Diapause requirements are unknown for this species. Observe your colony's behavior at room temperature.

When should I move Plagiolepis perperamus to a formicarium?

Start in a test tube setup for founding. Move to a formicarium once the colony has 20-30 workers and consistent brood development.

Why are my Plagiolepis perperamus escaping?

Their tiny size means they can squeeze through small gaps. Check all connections and use fine mesh barriers.

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .