Goniomma hispanicum

Goniomma hispanicum
 
This is a small species of granivorous ant found along the Mediterranean. Recently introduced into the hobby, there is currently not very much known about their behaviour and biology. However, scientists have determined that colonies are often found near species like Pheidole pallidula and therefore, share similar nesting habits. 
 
Queens of this species measure around 5mm and workers are even smaller at around 2-3mm in size. Both are dark brown/black in colour. 
 
Founding queens should be kept in small test tubes until first workers appear. Whilst it is believed that they are fully claustral, we have found that feeding them every 12-14 days during the founding stage increases the likelihood of success. 
 
Colonies should be kept between 24-26C and a relative humidity of 40%. 
Simimilarly to Messor spp. this species will depend on seeds as well as insects and sugary substances. With seeds, we find that crushing them beforehand leads to a stronger feeding response in comparison to whole. 
 
In the wild, nests can be found underground (sand/loam/clay) or just beneath man made structures like pavement slabs. 
 
Mature colonies are strictly monogynous and typically small with only a few hundred individuals.
 
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.