Temnothorax marae

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Restricted to southeastern Sicily (Hyblaean Plateau) and the Maltese islands. This species thrives in hot, dry Mediterranean habitats such as phryganas (dry shrublands), leaf litter, native Pinus halepensis forests, and areas under riparian vegetation. Its habitat has been severely reduced by coastal development and agricultural activities ^[1].
• Colony Type: Small, single-queen (monogyne) colonies. Each nest contains only one reproductive queen, and colonies are always small, with just a few dozen workers at most ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~3-4 mm, inferred from Temnothorax genus. Queens are small but larger than workers.
  • Worker: ~2-3 mm, inferred from Temnothorax genus. Very tiny ants, require magnification to observe comfortably.
  • Colony: Small, likely under 100 workers, based on typical Temnothorax colony sizes. Wild colonies are always modest ^[1].
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal warm temperatures (22-26°C), based on typical Temnothorax development. (Development is faster in warmer conditions, matching this species' thermophilous nature. Males can be produced in captivity during July ^[1].)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm,22-26°C, with a slight gradient to allow a hotter spot. This species is more thermophilous than any other Sicilian Temnothorax. Avoid temperatures below 18°C for extended periods ^[1].
  • Humidity: Low to moderate. Prefers dry Mediterranean conditions. Keep substrate moderately dry, not waterlogged. Provide a small water tube but avoid excessive moisture. Let the nest dry out between light mistings ^[1].
  • Diapause: Likely needs a mild winter rest period of 2-3 months at 10-15°C, typical for Mediterranean Temnothorax. Simulate winter cooling to maintain colony cycle. Never freeze the colony.
  • Nesting: Prefers tiny nesting spaces. In the wild, nests in dead twigs on bushes or on the ground, sometimes directly in soil. In captivity, use a small test tube setup or a Y-tong (AAC) nest with narrow chambers scaled to their tiny size. Fine mesh barriers are essential to prevent escapes ^[1].
• Behavior: Generally peaceful and non-aggressive. Workers are tiny and move slowly. They forage individually for small prey and honeydew. Escape prevention is critical due to their minute size, they can squeeze through gaps that larger ants cannot. Use fine mesh and seal all openings. Their small stinger is rarely used and harmless to humans. Smear venom defense mechanism typical of their tribe (Crematogastrini).
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical, their tiny size means they can slip through the smallest gaps, use fine mesh barriers and seal all connections., colonies are very small, do not overfeed, excess prey can mold and kill the colony. Offer only a few tiny food items every few days., slow growth can frustrate beginners, these ants do not quickly build large colonies., overheating above 30°C can be fatal, maintain temperatures within 22-26°C range., as a host species for the slave-maker Temnothorax muellerianus, wild colonies may be parasitized. In captivity this is unlikely, but be aware if collecting from the field ^[1].

Housing and Nest Setup

Temnothorax marae requires appropriately scaled housing due to its extremely small size. In the wild, these ants nest in dead twigs on bushes or lying on the ground, sometimes directly in soil. For captivity, a small test tube setup works well, use a standard test tube with a water reservoir backed by cotton. The tiny colony can also be housed in a small Y-tong (AAC) nest with narrow chambers, or a naturalistic setup with cork bark or hollow twigs. Because of their minute size, ensure all connections and barriers are tight, even small gaps that wouldn't concern larger ants will allow escapes. A small outworld area for foraging completes the setup. Use fine mesh on ventilation holes ^[1].

Temperature and Heating

This species is more thermophilous than any other Sicilian Temnothorax, meaning it prefers warmer conditions. Keep the nest area at 22-26°C, with a gentle temperature gradient so workers can choose their preferred spot. A small heating cable or mat on one side of the nest can achieve this, but avoid overheating, keep the warm side around 26°C maximum. Room temperature in the low-to-mid 20s°C is often suitable. Do not keep them cool, this species evolved in hot lowland Mediterranean habitats and will not thrive in cool conditions. Males were produced in captivity during July, suggesting warm summer conditions stimulate reproduction ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Like other Temnothorax species, Temnothorax marae likely feeds on small insects, honeydew from aphids, and nectar. In captivity, offer tiny prey items appropriate to their size, fruit flies, small pinhead crickets, or tiny pieces of mealworm. They will also accept sugar water or honey diluted with water, offered on a tiny piece of cotton or in a shallow container. Feed sparingly, a few tiny prey items every few days is sufficient for a small colony. Remove any uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Their small colony size means overfeeding is a common mistake that can lead to mold and colony death. Based on typical Temnothorax feeding ecology.

Humidity and Water

As a species from hot, dry Mediterranean habitats, Temnothorax marae prefers relatively dry conditions. Keep the nest substrate moderately dry, damp but not wet. A small water tube in the test tube setup provides constant access to moisture without creating excess humidity. Mist the outworld occasionally but avoid creating a constantly wet environment. The substrate should dry out between waterings. Their natural habitat in phryganas and dry shrublands experiences long hot summers with minimal rainfall, so they are adapted to drier conditions ^[1].

Winter Care and Diapause

Although from a warm Mediterranean region, Temnothorax marae likely benefits from a mild winter rest period. Reduce temperatures to around 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter, mimicking the cooler Sicilian winter. Reduce feeding during this period as colony activity slows. Do not freeze them, a cool basement or refrigerator crisper drawer works well. The diapause helps synchronize the colony's annual cycle and may improve queen health and longevity. Return to normal temperatures gradually in spring. This recommendation is inferred from the species' Mediterranean climate and typical ant biology.

Colony Dynamics and Growth

Temnothorax marae forms small colonies with a single queen. Colonies in the wild are always monogynous (one queen) and small in size. In captivity, expect slow growth, these are tiny ants with naturally small colony sizes. The first workers (nanitics) will be very small and may take 6-10 weeks to develop from egg to worker at optimal temperatures. Growth will remain gradual even after the colony establishes. Do not expect rapid colony expansion. Queens can live for several years with proper care. One documented colony was found hosting the parasitic ant Temnothorax muellerianus (a slave-maker) in the Vendicari nature reserve, while unlikely in captivity, it demonstrates this species can serve as a host ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References