Calomyrmex albertisi

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Australia and Papua New Guinea, particularly the Fly River region of Papua New Guinea. They inhabit tropical and subtropical environments ^[1][4].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed. Colony structure has not been documented for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements exist in the literature
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements exist in the literature
  • Colony: Unknown for this species
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, specific development timing has not been documented for this species (Development time is unknown as no species-specific data exists)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm and stable, roughly low-to-mid 20s°C. Tropical origin suggests they prefer warmth. A gentle temperature gradient allows workers to regulate their exposure to heat.
  • Humidity: Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide some drying between waterings.
  • Diapause: No diapause required. As a tropical species, they do not need a hibernation period. Maintain consistent warm temperatures year-round.
  • Nesting: Accepts most standard nest types. Y-tong (AAC), plaster nests, or naturalistic setups with soil work well. Provide a dark nesting chamber as they prefer sheltered conditions.
• Behavior: Generally calm workers. They will readily tend sap-sucking insects for honeydew. Foraging activity is moderate, they search for sugar sources and small prey. Escape risk is moderate, ensure enclosures have secure lids as they can climb smooth surfaces. They lack a functional sting and pose minimal danger to keepers.
• Common Issues: this species is rarely available in the antkeeping hobby, specific colony structure has not been confirmed, tropical requirements mean temperature must be maintained consistently, Blochmannia symbiosis suggests they benefit from honeydew/sugar sources but specific dietary needs are not well documented

Natural History and Distribution

Calomyrmex albertisi originates from Papua New Guinea, originally described from the Fly River region by Carlo Emery in 1887. The species also occurs in Australia, making it one of the few ant species found across both regions. The genus Calomyrmex is restricted to Australia and Papuasia, with this species representing its easternmost distribution in New Guinea ^[1]. These ants inhabit tropical and subtropical environments where they typically nest in soil or under stones in forest margins, grassland areas, and disturbed habitats. The genus is part of the Camponotini tribe, which includes many common ants like carpenter ants (Camponotus) and weaver ants (Polyrhachis).

Nutritional Symbiosis

One of the most interesting aspects of Calomyrmex albertisi is its relationship with Blochmannia bacteria. These symbiotic bacteria live inside the ants' bodies and help them digest nutrients, particularly amino acids, from their diet. This relationship is common across the Camponotini tribe, the ants acquire these bacteria by feeding them to their larvae, and the bacteria are passed down through generations ^[2][3]. In captivity, this means you should provide sugar sources (honey water, sugar water) alongside protein. The Blochmannia symbiosis also explains why these ants benefit from tending sap-sucking insects like aphids and scale insects, the honeydew provides essential nutrients that the bacteria help process.

Housing and Nest Preferences

Calomyrmex albertisi accepts various nest types commonly used in antkeeping. Y-tong (acrylic and cotton) nests work well, providing dark chambers that these ants prefer. Plaster nests or naturalistic setups with a soil chamber also suit them. The key is providing a humid but not waterlogged nest chamber with some open space for foraging. Since they are tropical ants, avoid temperatures below room temperature as this can slow their metabolism and reduce activity. A small water test tube connected to the foraging area provides drinking water and helps maintain humidity.

Feeding and Diet

Based on the Blochmannia symbiosis and typical Camponotini behavior, these ants will readily accept sugar sources including honey water, sugar water, and naturally honeydew from aphids if available. For protein, offer small insects like fruit flies, small crickets, or mealworms. Unlike some specialized predators, Calomyrmex albertisi is likely omnivorous, focusing on carbohydrates from honeydew and sugars while supplementing with protein from small prey. Feed sugar water constantly and protein regularly. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. ^[2][3]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a tropical species from Papua New Guinea and northern Australia, Calomyrmex albertisi requires warm conditions year-round. Maintain temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s°C in the nest area. Unlike temperate species, they do not require diapause or hibernation. A heating cable or mat on one side of the nest can create a temperature gradient, allowing workers to choose their preferred warmth level. Room temperature in heated homes may suffice, but monitor colony activity, sluggish colonies may need additional warmth. Avoid cold temperatures for extended periods.

Defense Mechanism

Calomyrmex albertisi belongs to the Formicinae subfamily, which lacks a functional sting. Instead, these ants bite the target and spray a stream of concentrated formic acid from an acidopore into the wound. This is the standard defense mechanism for the Camponotini tribe.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References