The tiny marauder
Solenopsis fugax, nicknamed the “thief ant”, is one of the smallest ants in Europe (1.5 to 2.5 mm). Its golden-yellow colour and minuscule size let it slip into other species’ colonies to steal their larvae and eggs, which it then carries back to its own nest to eat.
In the wild, it digs tiny galleries adjacent to other ants’ colonies. Too small to be intercepted, it lives off constant pilfering.
At 1.5-2 mm, Solenopsis fugax is so small it escapes through almost any gap. A paraffin-oil or Fluon escape barrier is absolutely essential.
Founding and keeping
Nuptial flight in summer. Founding is claustral and fast (4-6 weeks for the first workers). To help it start, you can offer eggs or larvae of other species (Lasius for example) as food.
Conditions
Humidity 50-70%, temperature 22-26°C, classic hibernation. The nest should be very tight on space, with fine galleries.
Fluon for micro-ants
The powder escape barrier essential for species under 3 mm such as Solenopsis fugax.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is Solenopsis fugax?
- Queen: 5-7 mm — Workers: 1.5-2.5 mm.
- How long does a Solenopsis fugax queen live?
- A Solenopsis fugax queen lives approximately 8-12 years.
- How does Solenopsis fugax found a colony?
- Foundation type: Claustral — Polygynous: Variable.
- What does Solenopsis fugax eat?
- Diet: Insects, sugars.
- Does Solenopsis fugax need a diapause (hibernation)?
- Diapause: Yes.
- What temperature and humidity does Solenopsis fugax require?
- Temperature: 22-26°C — Humidity: 50-70%.
- How large does a Solenopsis fugax colony grow?
- Colony size: 5,000-15,000.
- Is Solenopsis fugax suitable for beginners?
- Difficulty level: 3/5 (intermediate).
Sources & references
Authoritative references for further reading on Solenopsis fugax:
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