Lasius mauretanicus

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Morocco and Canary Islands, from sea level up to 2800m elevation ^[1]. In lower altitudes they prefer moist, sheltered forests of oak, willow, chestnut, and eucalyptus, as well as heather and laurel forests. At higher elevations above 1900m they inhabit open pastures and grasslands with spiny vegetation. In urban areas they nest in shady gardens with trees ^[1].
• Colony Type: Based on Lasius niger group patterns, likely single-queen (monogyne) colonies.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements exist for this recently described species
  • Worker: Medium to large, inferred from Lasius genus (~4-7mm typical for this group) ^[1]
  • Colony: Colony size data unavailable for this recently described species
  • Growth: Growth rate data unavailable
  • Development: Development timeline unconfirmed for this species (Standard Lasius development patterns are likely but not specifically documented)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature (20-24°C) during active season. They prefer warm conditions matching their Mediterranean habitat. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a suitable gradient.
  • Humidity: Moderate, they prefer moist but not waterlogged conditions. Keep the nest substrate slightly damp, with some drier areas available. This matches their preference for sheltered, moist forest habitats at lower altitudes ^[1].
  • Diapause: Yes, as a temperate/Palaearctic species from a Mediterranean climate, they likely require a winter dormancy period. Reduce temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter, mimicking their natural seasonal cycle.
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) nests or plaster nests work well. They prefer tight chambers typical of Lasius nesting. Provide a water test tube as a humidity source. Naturalistic setups with soil and stones also work, matching their natural nesting under stones and in soil in shaded areas.
• Behavior: These ants are aggressive when their nest is disturbed, this is a notable defensive behavior ^[1]. Workers are active foragers and will readily explore their outworld for food. They are medium-sized Lasius ants with good climbing ability, so escape prevention is important. They are not suitable for handling due to their defensive nature. They likely show typical Lasius foraging patterns, collecting honeydew and small insects.
• Common Issues: aggressive behavior makes them prone to biting when nest is disturbed, give them space during the founding stage, escape prevention is important, use fluon on nest edges and ensure any gaps are sealed, colonies may be slow to establish during founding, avoid checking the nest too frequently, test tube flooding can drown founding queens, use appropriate water reservoir size, winter dormancy is likely required, failing to provide diapause can weaken or kill colonies, this is a recently described species (2020) with limited captive care data, monitor your colony closely and adjust conditions as needed

Housing and Nest Setup

Lasius mauretanicus does well in Y-tong (AAC) nests or plaster formicariums, which provide the tight chambers these ants prefer. The nest should have chambers scaled to their medium-large size. Provide a water test tube connected to the nest for humidity, Lasius species need access to free water. For the outworld, use a simple foraging area where you can offer food. Escape prevention is important, apply fluon or similar barriers to prevent escapes, especially around any connections between nest and outworld. A naturalistic setup with a soil layer and some stones can also work well, reflecting their natural nesting preferences in shaded, moist areas ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Like other Lasius species, these ants are omnivorous. Their primary protein sources are small insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms) and other arthropods. They also readily accept sugar sources, offer sugar water, honey, or diluted honey water regularly. In the wild, they likely tend aphids and collect honeydew, so providing a sugar source is important for colony health. Feed protein prey 2-3 times per week, and keep a sugar source available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Maintain temperatures between 20-24°C during the active season. A heating cable placed on part of the nest can create a temperature gradient, allowing the ants to self-regulate. During winter, they likely require a diapause period, reduce temperatures to 10-15°C for 2-3 months. This mimics their natural seasonal cycle in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. The alates (reproductives) are observed in mid-May in Morocco ^[1], suggesting the breeding season aligns with spring warming. Do not skip the winter dormancy, as it is essential for colony health and reproductive development.

Behavior and Handling

Lasius mauretanicus is notably aggressive when its nest is disturbed ^[1]. This is a key consideration for keepers, avoid excessive nest inspections, especially during the founding stage. Workers will readily bite in defense. This aggression also means they are not suitable for handling or for keepers who want to frequently observe their colony. However, their defensive behavior makes them interesting to observe, as they quickly mobilize to protect the nest. They are active foragers and will establish clear trails to food sources. Their medium size and good climbing ability mean all connections must be secure to prevent escapes.

Colony Development

Colony development specifics are unconfirmed for this recently described species. As a likely claustral species, the queen probably seals herself in a small chamber and raises her first workers alone. She would rely on stored fat reserves and not forage during founding. The first workers (nanitics) will likely be smaller than mature workers. After the first workers emerge, the colony enters a growth phase. The species was only described in 2020,so specific development data is limited, but they likely follow standard Lasius patterns. Expect several months before you have a substantial number of workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please report here, it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References