Plagiolepis lucidula

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Western Australia, Rottnest Island, Hamelin Bay, and Perth/Fremantle region. They nest under stones in coastal areas and are common in some urban gardens ^[2].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed, no studies on queen number are available.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Undescribed in available literature, likely around 3-4mm based on genus patterns
  • Worker: 1-1.5mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, colony size not documented
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks based on related small Formicinae species (Direct development data unavailable)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: 22-26°C, from warm temperate coastal Western Australia ^[2]
  • Humidity: Moderate to high, keep substrate damp but not waterlogged, matching their coastal under-stone habitat
  • Diapause: Likely a mild winter rest period. They are winter-active in Fremantle ^[2], so reduce activity but don't need full hibernation. Lower temperature to 15-18°C in winter and reduce feeding.
  • Nesting: They nest under stones in nature ^[1]. In captivity, use a small test tube setup or Y-tong (AAC) nest with very fine chambers given their 1.5mm size.
• Behavior: Peaceful and non-aggressive. Their tiny size lets them coexist with invasive ants in urban areas ^[2]. As Formicinae, they spray formic acid but pose no danger to keepers. Escape prevention is critical because they can slip through tiny gaps. They are likely quick and shy, foraging opportunistically.
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their 1.5mm size, use fine mesh (, colony size is unknown and may stay small, don't expect massive nests soon, winter activity differs from northern species, adjust care seasonally per their natural mild rest period, test tube setups need very small water reservoirs, they can drown in large pools, region-specific care is estimated, watch their behavior and adjust if needed

Housing and Escape Prevention

Plagiolepis lucidula workers are just 1-1.5mm ^[1], which lets them live alongside larger invasive ants ^[2] but makes escape prevention your top priority. Use test tubes with tight cotton plugs. If using a formicarium, seal all connections and apply fluon barriers. Fine mesh with holes under 0.5mm is essential. A small Y-tong (AAC) nest with narrow chambers works well, or stick with a well-sealed test tube setup. They come from coastal Western Australia ^[2], so keep the nest slightly moist but not wet.

Feeding and Diet

As a Formicinae, they likely eat an omnivorous diet: sugar water or honey for carbs, and tiny insects like fruit flies or small mealworm bits for protein. Because of their minute size, even small prey may need to be chopped. Their ability to survive in urban areas with aggressive ants suggests they are adaptable foragers ^[2]. Start with standard ant food and watch what they take.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

From the warm temperate coastal region of Perth, these ants do best at 22-26°C. They are winter-active ^[2], so they likely only need a mild rest period rather than deep hibernation. In cooler months, lower temperature to 15-18°C and reduce feeding. If they cluster and slow down, that's normal, don't warm them up abruptly.

Behavior and Defense

Plagiolepis lucidula is peaceful and non-aggressive, which helps them coexist with invasive ants ^[2]. As Formicinae, they spray formic acid when provoked, harmless to you but can irritate if you handle them roughly. They are quick and shy. Due to their tiny size, they can squeeze through impossibly small gaps, so secure every opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References