Metalasius myrmidon

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Endemic to Greece (Peloponnese, Sterea Ellas, Thessaly) at 540–600 m altitude. Inhabits oak, mixed, and pine forests. Nests under small stones ^[2][3][4].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Workers are slightly polymorphic. No data on queen number (likely monogyne but unstudied).
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unconfirmed – queen not described in literature.
  • Worker: Under 2 mm total length ^[1].
  • Colony: Unknown – no colony size data available.
  • Growth: Unknown – no development data.
  • Development: Unconfirmed – no direct studies exist. (Development timeline has not been documented for this species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Likely moderate temperatures (20–24°C) based on Mediterranean habitat, but no exact data. Avoid extremes.
  • Humidity: Forest-floor nesting under stones suggests consistently moist substrate, not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Likely requires a mild winter rest (2–3 months at 10–15°C) based on temperate climate, but not confirmed.
  • Nesting: Natural nests are under stones. In captivity, a small test tube or compact plaster nest with tiny chambers works well. Keep dark and damp.
• Behavior: Shy, reclusive, and nearly blind. Spend most time underground. Not aggressive. Escape prevention is critical due to minute size (
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical – they slip through tiny gaps due to size under 2 mm., extremely rare species with no established captive breeding protocols., nearly blind workers may have difficulty locating food – place food near nest exits., no colony size or development data exists – care is entirely experimental., sensitive to light and vibration – minimize disturbances.

Housing and Nest Setup

Because Metalasius myrmidon naturally nests under stones in forest soil, a compact, dark, and humid nest works best. Use a small test tube with a water reservoir for starting colonies. For larger groups, try a small Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nest with chambers scaled to their tiny size (workers ^[1][2]

Feeding and Diet

No dietary studies exist for this species. Based on typical Lasiini behavior, they likely consume honeydew and small arthropods. Offer sugar water or diluted honey on a small cotton ball near the nest entrance, and provide tiny protein sources like fruit flies or freshly killed pinhead crickets. Because workers are nearly blind, place food directly in their path. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. Avoid large prey items.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This Greek endemic lives at mid-altitudes (540–600 m) ^[3], suggesting moderate temperatures around 20–24°C. No precise data is available, so observe colony behavior. If workers become sluggish, warm the nest area slightly, if they cluster away from a heated spot, cool it down. During winter, a 2–3 month rest at 10–15°C may be beneficial, but this is unconfirmed. Do not allow temperatures to drop below 5°C or exceed 30°C.

Unique Biology and Identification

Metalasius myrmidon was recently moved from Lasius to its own genus based on phylogenetics ^[1]. Its compound eyes are reduced to at most 9 ommatidia – essentially blind. The dorsum of the head completely lacks standing setae, and the body is covered in dense, whitish pubescence ^[1][2]. The queen has not been described. Workers are slightly polymorphic and measure under 2 mm total length ^[1]. These features make it one of the most distinctive and poorly known European ants.

Acquiring This Species

Metalasius myrmidon is not available in the antkeeping hobby. It is endemic to Greece and recorded from only a handful of sites in the Peloponnese, Sterea Ellas, and Thessaly ^[5][3][4]. No captive breeding exists. Wild colonies should not be disturbed due to the species' rarity and limited distribution. If you encounter it for sale, verify the source carefully – legitimate availability is essentially zero. This ant is primarily of scientific interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References