Temnothorax wollastoni

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Madeira Island, Portugal (Palaearctic Region), an isolated Atlantic island with subtropical to mild temperate climate. The original specimen was collected in the 19th century, but the exact habitat type is unrecorded ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Unknown, only a single worker specimen has ever been collected ^[1]. Based on typical Temnothorax genus patterns, colonies are likely single-queen (monogyne), but this is unconfirmed.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, no queen specimens have been collected or described ^[1]
  • Worker: Unknown, only the type worker specimen exists, and specific measurements were not provided in available literature
  • Colony: Unknown, colony size has never been documented
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, no development data exists for this species. Based on typical Temnothorax genus patterns, expect approximately 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature. (No direct observations of founding or development exist. Estimates based on related Madeira Temnothorax species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unknown for this specific species. For related Madeira Temnothorax species, aim for roughly 20-24°C with moderate humidity. Start in the low-mid 20s°C range and observe colony activity.
  • Humidity: Unknown, no specific data exists. Madeira has moderate humidity (60-80%). Keep nest substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged, with some drier areas available.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no data on overwintering requirements. Madeira has mild winters, so any dormancy period would likely be brief or minimal. Monitor colony for seasonal slowdowns.
  • Nesting: Unknown, no documented nesting preferences. Typical Temnothorax species nest in small cavities, under loose bark, in rotting wood, or in rock crevices. A Y-tong (AAC) nest or small naturalistic setup with narrow chambers would likely suit them.
• Behavior: Behavior is unobserved and unknown. Based on typical Temnothorax genus patterns, these are likely docile, slow-moving ants that nest in small cavities and feed on small insects, honeydew, and nectar. Escape risk is likely moderate due to their small size, use standard barrier methods. Defense mechanism is unknown, as a member of Myrmicinae (tribe Crematogastrini), it likely uses a smearing venom delivery system with a modified stinger (general taxonomic knowledge, not species-specific).
• Common Issues: this species may be extinct in the wild, only one specimen has ever been collected and it hasn't been observed since 1858 ^[1], no captive colonies exist in the antkeeping hobby, this species is virtually unknown in cultivation ^[1], invasive ant species on Madeira have likely decimated native ant populations, making wild collection impossible or ecologically irresponsible ^[1], no information exists on specific dietary, temperature, or humidity requirements, extremely limited data makes accurate care recommendations impossible

Species Status and Conservation

Temnothorax wollastoni represents one of the most enigmatic ant species in Europe, known only from a single worker specimen collected over 150 years ago. The original collector, Thomas Wollaston, gathered this specimen during his extensive natural history work on Madeira Island between 1847-1858. The species was formally described by Donisthorpe in 1940 based on this historic specimen ^[1]. Extensive surveys conducted between 1999 and 2002 failed to locate any living colonies of this species, suggesting it may have been exterminated by invasive ant species that have colonized Madeira ^[1]. The single endemic ant taxon currently described for Madeira Island, this species represents a significant gap in our understanding of Madeiran ant biodiversity ^[2]. If it survives, it likely persists only in areas not yet invaded by exotic species.

Why This Species is Not Recommended for Keeping

Temnothorax wollastoni should not be kept by antkeepers for several critical reasons. First, the species is almost certainly extinct or critically endangered in the wild, it has not been observed in over 150 years despite multiple targeted surveys. No wild colonies have ever been documented, and only a single museum specimen exists as evidence the species ever existed ^[1]. Second, no captive colonies exist in the antkeeping hobby or in any scientific collection. There is simply no source for living specimens, and attempting to collect from the wild would be both ecologically irresponsible and likely futile given the species has not been found despite dedicated searching. Third, even if specimens were somehow obtained, absolutely no husbandry information exists, we don't know what they eat, what temperature they need, how they found colonies, or any basic biology. Keeping this species would be impossible with current knowledge ^[1].

Related Species and Care Analogues

While T. wollastoni itself cannot be kept, understanding related species helps illustrate what husbandry might look like if the species were ever rediscovered. The genus Temnothorax contains over 350 species across Europe, Asia, and North America. These are typically small (2-4mm), docile ants that nest in pre-existing cavities. Common European species like Temnothorax nylanderi, Temnothorax recedens, and other Mediterranean species are kept in captivity and provide general husbandry guidance. These species typically require moderate temperatures (20-24°C), consistent but not excessive humidity, and feed on small insects, honeydew, and sugar sources. They form small colonies typically under 500 workers. If T. wollastoni were ever found, care would likely be similar to these well-studied relatives.

The Importance of Madeiran Endemic Ants

Madeira Island hosts a unique ant fauna that has been severely impacted by invasive species. The island, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, is home to several endemic ant species that evolved in isolation. Unfortunately, invasive ants including the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), the tropical fire ant (Solenopsis geminata), and other introduced species have dramatically altered the island's native ant communities. Studies have documented significant declines in native ant populations, with T. wollastoni representing the most extreme example of potential extinction ^[1]. Understanding and conserving these rare species is important for maintaining Madeira's ecological heritage. The discovery of any remaining T. wollastoni populations would represent a significant scientific breakthrough and would require immediate conservation action.

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