Brachymyrmex cordemoyi

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to the Neotropical region (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, USA, Venezuela). Found in soil nests, under stones, and occasionally on cacti. Has been introduced to multiple regions including the Canary Islands, Seychelles, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Saudi Arabia, and parts of Europe ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is not documented in scientific literature. Further research needed to confirm queen number and colony organization.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~3.5-4mm ^[5]
  • Worker: ~1.2-2mm ^[6][7]
  • Colony: Colony size data not available in scientific literature
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: Development timeline unconfirmed for this species (Direct development data not available. Small tropical ant species typically develop faster than larger species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at warm room temperature, roughly 22-26°C. As a Neotropical species, they prefer stable warm conditions. Avoid temperatures below 18°C.
  • Humidity: Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. These ants nest in soil in the wild and require some moisture.
  • Diapause: No, as a tropical species, they do not require hibernation or diapause. Keep at stable temperatures year-round.
  • Nesting: Soil-based nests work well. Use a test tube setup with moist cotton or a small formicarium with soil substrate. They prefer dark, enclosed spaces. A Y-tong or plaster nest with a thin layer of moist soil works well.
• Behavior: These are docile, non-aggressive ants that rarely sting. Workers are tiny and may be overlooked by keepers. They are primarily foragers on low vegetation, collecting honeydew and small insects. They are not aggressive toward humans. Escape prevention is critical due to their tiny size, use fine mesh barriers. They are omnivorous and will accept sugar sources and small protein prey.
• Common Issues: tiny size makes escape prevention critical, use fine mesh and tight-fitting lids, small colony sizes mean slow population growth, patience is required, wild-caught colonies may contain parasites that can kill captive colonies, they are sensitive to drying out, monitor substrate moisture regularly, WARNING: this species is introduced in many regions and should never be released in non-native areas

Housing and Nest Setup

Brachymyrmex cordemoyi is a tiny ant, so your housing setup needs to match their small size. A standard test tube setup works well for founding colonies, use a small test tube with a water reservoir at one end, separated by a cotton ball. Keep the cotton moist but not dripping. For established colonies, a small formicarium with a soil or plaster chamber gives them the dark, enclosed space they prefer. These ants nest in soil in the wild, so a thin layer of moist substrate in an acrylic nest works well ^[1][3]. Because they're so small, even tiny gaps can be escape routes. Apply fluon or use fine mesh on any openings. They prefer quiet, dark locations away from vibrations and direct light.

Feeding and Diet

These ants are omnivorous, similar to other Brachymyrmex species. In the wild, they feed heavily on honeydew from aphids and extrafloral nectaries, they've been recorded visiting Croton plants and various aphid colonies, making them one of the most abundant species at extrafloral nectaries ^[4]. For your colony, offer a constant sugar source like sugar water, honey, or diluted maple syrup. For protein, provide tiny prey items like fruit flies, small mealworms, or pinhead crickets. Because of their small size, even small prey items may be too large initially, consider chopping insects into smaller pieces. They also accept commercial ant foods. Feed small amounts every 2-3 days and remove any uneaten food to prevent mold. A varied diet helps maintain colony health.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a Neotropical species, Brachymyrmex cordemoyi prefers warm conditions. Keep your colony at room temperature, roughly 22-26°C, for optimal growth and activity. Room temperature in most homes is typically ideal. Avoid placing the nest in cold areas or near air conditioning vents. They do not require hibernation or diapause, in fact, temperatures below 18°C can slow their development significantly. If your room is cooler, use a small heating cable on one side of the nest to create a gentle temperature gradient. Always ensure the nest has both warm and cooler areas so the ants can regulate their own temperature. Stable, warm conditions year-round will support the best colony growth.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

This is a docile, non-aggressive species that works well for antkeepers who want a low-maintenance colony. Workers are tiny and go about their business quietly. They forage on low vegetation in the wild, so your colony will appreciate some climbing space and vegetation in their outworld. They are not known for stinging, and their small size means any sting would be imperceptible to humans. Colonies grow moderately, don't expect rapid expansion like you might see with larger species. The queen lays eggs steadily once established, and workers care for brood diligently. Because they're a cryptic species that nests in soil, you may not see much activity outside the nest until the colony reaches a few dozen workers. ^[1][2]

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Brachymyrmex cordemoyi is an introduced species in many parts of the world, including the Canary Islands, Seychelles, and parts of Europe. It has been introduced to the Afrotropical, Australasian, and Palaearctic regions ^[2]. If you live in an area where this species is not native, never release your colony outdoors. Introduced ants can disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species. If you no longer want your colony, the most responsible options are to find another keeper who can take them or to humanely freeze the colony. This species is not regulated in most areas, but always check local regulations regarding ant keeping and ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References