Trichomyrmex shakeri

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Native to central Saudi Arabia, specifically the Riyadh region. Known only from Wadi Hanifa, a dry river valley at about 814m elevation ^[1]. The type locality is described as a relatively pristine section of this wadi system ^[1].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed. No queen or colony structure data exists in published literature.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, queen has not been described ^[1]
  • Worker: 1.94-2.33mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, only six workers have ever been collected ^[1]
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unconfirmed, no development data exists for this species (This is a newly described species (2016) with no published biological or developmental studies. Estimates based on similar small Myrmicinae suggest 4-8 weeks at warm temperatures, but this is speculative.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Based on their Saudi Arabian origin, these ants likely prefer warm conditions. Start around 24-28°C and observe colony activity. Avoid temperatures below 18°C or above 35°C until you learn their preferences.
  • Humidity: Originating from an arid wadi, they likely prefer drier conditions than tropical ants. Keep nest substrate moderately dry with a small water reservoir. Allow portions of the nest to dry out completely between waterings.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no published data on seasonal requirements. Saudi Arabia has cool winters, so some form of winter rest may be beneficial. Try keeping at room temperature (18-22°C) during winter and observe for reduced activity.
  • Nesting: Natural nesting is unconfirmed. Given their wadi origin, they likely nest in soil or under stones. Use small test tubes or mini formicariums scaled to their tiny size. Fine substrate that holds some moisture but drains well is recommended.
• Behavior: Temperament is unconfirmed, but most Trichomyrmex species are not aggressive. Their tiny size (under 2.5mm) means they pose no sting threat to humans. As members of the subfamily Myrmicinae, they have a modified stinger used to smear venom rather than pierce, but at this size it's harmless. Escape prevention is critical, they can squeeze through standard test tube cotton and will require fine mesh barriers.
• Common Issues: tiny size makes escape likely without fine mesh barriers and tight-fitting lids, limited scientific data means care is largely experimental with no established protocols, very rare in the hobby, finding a colony may be difficult, unknown colony structure makes it unclear if single or multiple queens should be kept together, slow growth potential due to limited data on optimal conditions

Discovery and Identification

Trichomyrmex shakeri was described in 2016,making it one of the most recently discovered ant species in the antkeeping hobby ^[2]. It was found during a survey of Trichomyrmex in the Arabian Peninsula. Researchers collected just six workers using pitfall traps over an entire year ^[1]. This rarity means wild-caught colonies are exceptionally uncommon.

The species is named after the Egyptian writer Mahmoud M. Shaker (1909-1997) ^[2]. It is quickly identified by its uniform yellow color and notably large eyes, which are about one-third the width of the head ^[1]. Another key feature is the absence of a psammophore, a basket of hairs under the head used by some desert ants for carrying water or sand. Its relative Trichomyrmex santschii from Tunisia has a well-developed psammophore, but Trichomyrmex shakeri does not ^[1].

Origin and Natural Habitat

Trichomyrmex shakeri is known only from Wadi Hanifa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at approximately 24.90°N,46.18°E ^[1]. The type locality sits at about 814m elevation in a relatively pristine section of this dry river valley ^[1].

Wadis are dry riverbeds that only carry water during rare rain events. This environment experiences extreme temperatures, very hot summers and cooler winters. The ants have adapted to these conditions, but specific microhabitat preferences are unknown.

The fact that only six workers were collected despite extensive trapping (150 pitfall traps running for one year) suggests this species is either genuinely rare, has very localized populations, or spends most of its time underground ^[1]. Other collection methods including soil sifting, light traps, and beating sheets also failed to find more specimens ^[1].

Size and Morphology

Workers are tiny, measuring only 1.94-2.33mm in total length ^[1]. This places them among the smallest ant species commonly kept. Their small size has major implications for housing and escape prevention.

The head is slightly longer than broad, broader at the front than the back, with a notched posterior margin ^[1]. The antennae have 12 segments, and the first segment (scape) extends past the back of the head by about one-third of the eye length ^[1]. The body is largely smooth and shiny, with the head showing longitudinal ridges near the eyes and mandibles, while the mid-body and rear segments have a densely dotted texture ^[1]. The body is uniformly yellow, with black eyes and dark brown mandibular teeth ^[1].

Housing and Care Recommendations

Since this species is newly described and extremely rare in captivity, there are no established care protocols. The following are inferences from their origin and related species.

Housing: Use small test tubes or mini formicariums scaled to their tiny size. Standard test tube setups work well, but ensure cotton is packed tightly and consider adding a fine mesh barrier over the opening. Their small size means they can escape through gaps that would hold larger ants.

Temperature: Start around 24-28°C, which matches the warm climate of central Saudi Arabia. A heating cable on one side can create a gradient. Monitor activity, if workers become sluggish, warm slightly, if they avoid the heated area, reduce temperature.

Humidity: The wadi environment suggests they prefer drier conditions. Keep substrate moderately moist but allow portions to dry completely. A small water reservoir in the test tube provides drinking water without creating overly damp conditions.

Feeding: Like other Trichomyrmex species, they likely accept small insects and sugar sources. Offer tiny prey like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or aphids. A small drop of sugar water can also be offered.

Challenges and Considerations

Keeping Trichomyrmex shakeri presents unique challenges for experienced antkeepers.

First, this is an expert-level species because there is no published care information. You will be pioneering husbandry techniques for a species with no established protocols. Document your observations carefully, they could contribute valuable knowledge.

Second, colonies are extremely rare. Unlike common species, you likely won't find Trichomyrmex shakeri at typical ant suppliers. If you do acquire a colony, it may be the only one in captivity.

Third, the tiny worker size (under 2.5mm) creates significant escape prevention challenges. Standard barriers that work for larger ants may not contain these ants. Use fine mesh, tightly packed cotton, and consider multiple barrier layers.

Finally, patience is essential. With limited data on optimal conditions, establishing a colony may take time. Start with a small founding queen if available, and experiment with temperature, humidity, and feeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

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