Let's talk about the crafty Solenopsis fugax, better known as the thief ant! These marvellous creatures are some of the most fascinating in the ant kingdom. You see, they've earned their name 'thief ant' from their sly and cunning behaviour. Rather than solely relying on gathering food, these ants have adopted a sneaky approach to survival.
Similar to Solenopsis molesta, their American cousins, Solenopsis fugaxcolonies are polygenous (multiple queens) and can reach up to 100.000 workers in nature. Fresh queens are fully claustral (do not need feeding until first workers) but we suggest treating them well in captivity so protein jelly once a week is recommended. The queen's size is around 6-7mm and workers are tiny, 1.5-3mm.
Not suitable for beginners. Solenopsis fugax are smart and very well-organised ants and will try to escape 24/7, and we can assure you they will escape if they need more fresh water, food or extra space. An ant escape prevention liquid is a must!
The thief ants, one of the smallest ants on the planet, bravely infiltrate the nests of other ant species. They then stealthily find their way to the food storage areas. But wait, it gets even more exciting! The thief ants don't just stop at stealing food. They're after a bigger bounty. They're also known to kidnap the larvae of other ants, mostly Lasius species! Once back in their nests, these stolen larvae are then raised to become workers for the thief ants. Talk about being resourceful!
But don't be too quick to judge these ants based on their thieving nature. There's more to them than meets the eye. A closer look at Solenopsis fugax reveals a complex social structure and communication system that is truly awe-inspiring. These ants communicate using a variety of signals and cues, which helps them coordinate their daring raids with precision and efficiency.
Despite their small size, the thief ant is a master survivalist who has honed its skills over millions of years of evolution. Their ability to adapt and thrive in a wide range of environments is a testament to their resilience and ingenuity. So next time you see an ant in your holiday in Southern Europe, small and golden, remember, it might just be Solenopsis fugax - the clever thief ant that's full of surprises!
The nest's humidity plays a crucial role in their lifecycle so keep it around 60-70%. The daily temperature should be around 26-28°C and 21-24°C overnight. Regarding the outworld, room temperature and humidity are just great.