Scientific illustration of Odontomachus goumang ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Odontomachus goumang

Non-Parasitic Queen Nein Gamergate
Wiss. Name
Odontomachus goumang
Tribus
Ponerini
Unterfamilie
Ponerinae
Autor
Qi & Zhi, 2025
Verbreitung
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Einleitung

Odontomachus goumang is a newly described trap-jaw ant species from southern China. Workers are large, measuring up to 17 mm in total length . They are entirely black with fine longitudinal striations on the back of the head . The species was named after Goumang, the god of vegetation in Chinese mythology . It is known only from a single collection in Guangxi, China, at 263 meters elevation . This species has elongated trap-jaw mandibles with a subapical tooth about twice as long as wide, a distinctive feature among trap-jaw ants .

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Status nach Land, von Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Heimisch Invasiv Eingeschleppt (innen) Abgefangen Unbekannt
Datenquellen
Jahresbereich 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Origin & Habitat: Guangxi, China (Palaearctic Region), collected at 263m elevation in a subtropical forested area [1][2]
  • Colony Type: No data on colony structure, unconfirmed whether monogyne or polygyne.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: ~15.5 mm [1]
    • Worker: Up to 17 mm [1]
    • Colony: Colony size data unavailable.
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unknown (No development data exists for this species.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, around 24-28°C, based on collection location in subtropical China [1].
    • Humidity: Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this species is from a humid region [1].
    • Diapause: Unknown
    • Nesting: Inferred from genus patterns to prefer soil or wood nests. Use Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests with moist substrate [2].
  • Behavior: Trap-jaw ants with powerful snapping mandibles used for prey capture. They are predatory and likely defensive. Workers are large (up to 17 mm), so escape prevention is moderate, they can climb smooth surfaces. They have a sting, as typical for Ponerinae ants.
  • Common Issues: this species has never been kept in captivity, so care protocols are unknown., large size and powerful mandibles mean they can deliver painful stings if handled carelessly., colony size and development data are unavailable, making husbandry challenging., wild colonies may be difficult to acquire due to single collection event.

Discovery and Rarity

Odontomachus goumang was described in 2025 [1]. The only known collection was in October 2022 in Guangxi, China [1]. This makes it one of the rarest ant species, with no biological data available [2].

Identification and Distinction

This species is larger than similar Odontomachus species, with head length 3.55-4.02 mm [1]. It has fine striations on the head posterior, unlike smooth-headed relatives [1]. The propodeum is distinctly convex [1].

Housing and Nesting

Based on collection data from subtropical China, provide a humid environment with stable temperatures [1]. Use naturalistic setups with moist substrate or Y-tong/plaster nests [2].

Feeding and Diet

As trap-jaw ants, they are likely predatory. Offer live insects like fruit flies and crickets [2]. Sugar sources may be accepted but are not primary.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep temperatures around 24-28°C based on collection location [1]. Winter care is unknown, a cool period may be beneficial.

Safety and Handling

All Odontomachus ants have powerful mandibles and a sting. Handle with care using tools, not bare hands [2].

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Odontomachus goumang to produce first workers?

No data exists for this species, estimated based on related trap-jaw ant development patterns [2].

What do Odontomachus goumang ants eat?

Like other trap-jaw ants, they are likely predatory and should be fed live small invertebrates [2].

Do Odontomachus goumang ants sting?

All Odontomachus ants have the potential to sting, as typical for Ponerinae ants [2].

What temperature do Odontomachus goumang ants need?

Based on their collection location in subtropical southern China, keep temperatures around 24-28°C [1].

Are Odontomachus goumang ants good for beginners?

This species is not recommended for beginners due to lack of care data and rarity [2].

How big do Odontomachus goumang colonies get?

Colony size is unknown for this species [1].

Can I keep multiple Odontomachus goumang queens together?

This has not been studied, colony structure is unconfirmed [2].

What type of nest should I use for Odontomachus goumang?

Use naturalistic setups with moist substrate or Y-tong/plaster nests [2].

Where can I get Odontomachus goumang ants?

This species is extremely rare, known only from Guangxi, China [1][2].

Do Odontomachus goumang ants need hibernation?

Unknown, based on subtropical range, a cool period may be beneficial [1].

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References

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Dieses Caresheet ist lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 4.0 .