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

Aphaenogaster italica

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Aphaenogaster italica
Tribe
Stenammini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Bondroit, 1918
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Aphaenogaster italica is a small, dark ant native to Italy and Switzerland. Workers measure 3.7-4.4 mm while queens reach 5-6 mm . They have the typical Aphaenogaster appearance with strongly sculptured, matte thoraxes and short triangular propodeal spines . Coloration is brownish-black with a reddish thorax and lighter yellowish-brown mandibles and legs . In the wild, they nest in soil in the Italian mainland north to Calabria and southern Switzerland . Recent genetic research has changed their classification. Originally placed in the gibbosa species group based on looks, Aphaenogaster italica is now considered polyphyletic - meaning they do not share a single common ancestor with other gibbosa group species despite looking similar - and may be more closely related to Aphaenogaster obsidiana, though the genetic support is weak .

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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: Italy and Switzerland, extratropical Palearctic region at approximately 41.5°N latitude [5][3]. Nests in soil [1].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed. No specific data on colony structure for this species.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: 5-6 mm [1]
    • Worker: 3.7-4.4 mm [1]
    • Colony: Unknown for this species
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unknown for this species (Development speed depends on temperature. Related temperate Aphaenogaster species typically take 8-12 weeks.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep at 20-25°C during active season. As a temperate species from approximately 41.5°N, they likely need cooler winter conditions [5].
    • Humidity: Moderate. Soil-nesting species prefer consistent moisture in the nest substrate.
    • Diapause: Likely required. Provide 3-4 months at 10-15°C during winter.
    • Nesting: Soil nests in nature [1]. Use naturalistic setups with soil or plaster nests. Avoid bare acrylic nests without substrate.
  • Behavior: Temperament unconfirmed. Their small size (under 5mm) means escape prevention must be excellent, use fine mesh and barriers.
  • Common Issues: tiny workers can escape through small gaps, use fine mesh and Fluon barriers., limited scientific data means care requirements involve some guesswork, observe your colony closely., soil-nesting species may stress in bare acrylic nests without substrate., wild-caught colonies from soil may bring mites or parasites.

Nest Preferences

In nature, Aphaenogaster italica nests in soil [1]. Provide a nest that mimics soil conditions. Naturalistic setups with a soil and plaster mix work well, or use Y-tong (aerated concrete) nests with substrate added. The key is providing a dark, enclosed environment with some humidity retention. Avoid tall acrylic nests with open spaces, these ants are built for crawling through compact soil tunnels. If using a test tube for founding, provide a dark cover and ensure the cotton is tight enough that tiny workers cannot squeeze past.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Coming from the extratropical Palearctic region at around 41.5°N latitude [5], these ants experience distinct seasons. During the warm months, keep them at roughly 20-25°C. When the colony slows down in late autumn, move them to a cooler spot for winter rest. Related temperate Aphaenogaster species need 3-4 months at 10-15°C to complete their annual cycle. Watch for reduced activity and brood development slowing, this signals it is time to cool them down. Do not let them freeze.

Feeding and Diet

Specific diet studies for Aphaenogaster italica do not exist. Based on typical Aphaenogaster patterns, they are likely omnivorous. Offer a mix of protein sources like small insects (fruit flies, tiny crickets, mealworm pieces) and carbohydrates like sugar water or honey. Some Aphaenogaster species also collect seeds, so offering small seeds like chia or poppy seeds may be accepted. Start with small prey items given their small worker size. [6]

Colony Founding

Founding behavior has not been directly observed for this species. Set up founding queens in standard test tubes with water reservoirs blocked with cotton. Keep them dark and undisturbed for the first 6-8 weeks. Monitor the queen, if she appears stressed or attempts to leave the tube, she may require feeding, but this is unconfirmed for this species.

Taxonomic History

Aphaenogaster italica has had a confusing taxonomic journey. First described in 1918 as a variety of Aphaenogaster strioloides, then treated as a subspecies of Aphaenogaster gibbosa, it is now recognized as a full species [6]. However, recent phylogenetic work shows the gibbosa group is polyphyletic, the species in it do not actually share a common ancestor. Aphaenogaster italica appears to be a separate lineage possibly related to Aphaenogaster obsidiana, though the genetic support for this is weak [4]. This explains why they look similar to other gibbosa group members but may behave differently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep Aphaenogaster italica in a test tube?

Yes. Use a standard test tube setup with a water reservoir blocked by cotton. Keep the tube dark and at room temperature (around 20-22°C) until the first workers hatch.

How long until Aphaenogaster italica gets its first workers?

The exact timeline is unknown for this species. Based on related temperate Aphaenogaster species, expect roughly 8-12 weeks from egg to first worker at 22-25°C. The first workers (nanitics) will be smaller than normal workers.

Do Aphaenogaster italica need hibernation?

Likely yes. As a temperate species from Italy and Switzerland, they probably need 3-4 months of winter rest at 10-15°C. If your colony stops producing brood and activity slows in autumn, move them to a cooler location.

Can I keep multiple Aphaenogaster italica queens together?

Not recommended. While not specifically studied, most Aphaenogaster species are single-queen. Combining unrelated queens will likely result in fighting and death.

What do Aphaenogaster italica eat?

Probably an omnivorous diet including small insects and sugary liquids. Offer fruit flies, small cricket pieces, and sugar water. They may also accept small seeds.

Are Aphaenogaster italica good for beginners?

They are medium difficulty. Their small size makes escapes likely without proper barriers, and the lack of specific care data means you will need to observe and adjust based on colony response.

Do Aphaenogaster italica ants sting?

They possess stingers but are too small to penetrate human skin effectively. They may bite if threatened, but are not dangerous.

How big do Aphaenogaster italica colonies get?

Colony size is unconfirmed for this species. Based on similar Aphaenogaster species, expect a few hundred to perhaps 1000 workers at maturity.

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .