Lepisiota rothneyi

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to India, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam. Found across Indian states (Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal) and southern China. This is a forest-dwelling species restricted to primary forest at elevations between 1900-2800 meters ^[3][4][5].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed in scientific literature. Based on typical Lepisiota genus patterns, likely single-queen.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 4.5-5.5mm ^[1]
  • Worker: 2.2-4.5mm ^[1][2]
  • Colony: Colony size data unavailable, similar Lepisiota species may reach several hundred workers
  • Growth: Growth rate unconfirmed
  • Development: Development time unconfirmed for this species (Specific development data not available in literature)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep nest around 22-26°C. This species comes from elevated Himalayan regions and tropical highland forests, so moderate temperatures are appropriate. A slight gradient allowing workers to choose their preferred temperature is ideal.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity. Their natural habitat in primary forest suggests they prefer damp conditions. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Likely required, based on high-altitude distribution (1900-2800m) in Himalayan regions, a winter rest period is probably necessary. Consider 2-3 months at 10-15°C during winter.
  • Nesting: In nature, they nest in soil and under stones in forest environments. For captivity, a naturalistic setup with moist soil or a Y-tong/plaster nest works well. They prefer enclosed dark spaces.
• Behavior: Workers are active foragers that search for prey on tree trunks and vegetation during the day. They are predatory, feeding on small insects and larvae including pine caterpillars ^[1]. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend their nest. Their small to medium size means they can escape through small gaps, use fine mesh barriers.
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their small size, use tight-fitting lids and fine mesh barriers, habitat specialist restricted to primary forest, may struggle in heavily modified captive environments, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites that can kill captive colonies, specific colony requirements are poorly documented, some trial and error may be needed

Nest Preferences and Housing

Lepisiota rothneyi is a forest-dwelling species that naturally nests in soil and under stones in relatively undisturbed areas. In captivity, they do well in naturalistic setups with moist soil substrate or in Y-tong/plaster nests that maintain humidity. They prefer dark, enclosed spaces and will readily nest in crevices. Because they are habitat specialists restricted to primary forest, they benefit from a more naturalistic setup with hiding spots and climbing structures. Ensure the nest area stays moist but not waterlogged. ^[3][5]

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, these ants are predatory and actively hunt small insects and larvae. They have been documented preying on pine caterpillars and other lepidopteran early instar larvae ^[1]. For captive colonies, offer small live prey such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and mealworms. They will also accept sugar sources like honey water or sugar water. Feed protein prey 2-3 times per week and provide constant access to sugar water. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. Their small size means prey should be appropriately sized.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This species comes from elevated regions (1900-2800m) in the Himalayas and tropical highland forests, so they prefer moderate temperatures rather than extreme heat ^[4]. Keep the nest area at 22-26°C with a gentle gradient so workers can regulate their own temperature. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create this gradient. During winter, a diapause period of 2-3 months at 10-15°C may be beneficial, reflecting their natural seasonal cycle in high-altitude habitats.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Workers are active foragers that search for food on tree trunks and vegetation during the day ^[3]. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend their nest if threatened. Because they are a habitat specialist species, they may be more sensitive to environmental disturbances than common tropical ants. Avoid frequent nest changes and maintain stable conditions. They communicate through chemical trails and will establish foraging paths once food sources are discovered.

Escape Prevention

With workers ranging from 2.2-4.5mm, these ants are small enough to escape through standard gaps in poorly sealed setups. Use tight-fitting lids on all outworld containers and apply Fluon or similar barrier products to the upper edges of walls. Fine mesh (0.5mm or smaller) is essential for any ventilation openings. Check for gaps around water tubes and feeding dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References