The Mediterranean dwarf ant
Plagiolepis pygmaea is one of the smallest ants in Europe: 1.5 to 2 mm for the workers, barely 3-4 mm for the queen. Light brown, almost transparent against the light, it goes unnoticed most of the time — yet it’s everywhere in the Mediterranean.
An ultra-polygynous species: a nest holds dozens, sometimes hundreds of queens. The colonies are diffuse, with no clear central nest, and they spread by budding rather than by classic nuptial flights.
At 1.5 mm, P. pygmaea finds any flaw. Multi-layer Fluon on the walls, tripled plug seals, smooth vertical walls mandatory. No crack, even an invisible one, will be tolerated. Be paranoid, or don’t choose this species.
Fascinating social behaviour
Despite its minuscule size, P. pygmaea shows complex behaviour: prey sharing between neighbouring nests, inter-colony cooperation, brood exchange. It’s almost a natural supercolony on a small scale.
A mainly liquid diet: aphid honeydew, flower nectar, sugar water. Solid prey must be very small (vinegar gnats, tiny pieces). Explosive growth in the warm season.
Catching an isolated P. pygmaea queen isn’t enough: she’s group-dependent. Favour collecting a portion of a natural colony (queens + workers + brood) under a stone. It’s also the standard method to start all Plagiolepis.
Keeping
Mediterranean, 22-28°C, humidity 50-60%. A light winter diapause. A fine plaster or Ytong nest with tiny galleries. A closed outworld with an airtight lid. A species reserved for keepers paranoid about escape barriers. The reward: a close-up view of a miniature supercolony.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is Plagiolepis pygmaea?
- Queen: 3-4 — Workers: 1.5-2.
- How long does a Plagiolepis pygmaea queen live?
- A Plagiolepis pygmaea queen lives approximately 8-12.
- How does Plagiolepis pygmaea found a colony?
- Foundation type: Polygynous — Polygynous: Yes.
- What does Plagiolepis pygmaea eat?
- Diet: Honeydew, sugar, small insects.
- Does Plagiolepis pygmaea need a diapause (hibernation)?
- Diapause: Light diapause.
- What temperature and humidity does Plagiolepis pygmaea require?
- Temperature: 22-28 — Humidity: 50-60.
- How large does a Plagiolepis pygmaea colony grow?
- Colony size: 10,000+.
- Is Plagiolepis pygmaea suitable for beginners?
- Difficulty level: 4/5 (advanced).
Sources & references
Authoritative references for further reading on Plagiolepis pygmaea:
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