Linepithema keiteli

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Endemic to the mountains of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), recorded at elevations from 770–1820 m (occasionally down to 5 m). Found in montane pine forest, mesic tropical moist forests, and disturbed areas such as forest edges and roadsides ^[2][3].
• Colony Type: Monogyne (single queen) and polydomous (multiple interconnected nest entrances) ^[2][3].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: estimated ~5–6 mm (mesosomal length 1.88–2.15 mm) ^[2]
  • Worker: estimated 2–3 mm (no total length data, based on head measurements of 0.59–0.77 mm) ^[2]
  • Colony: unknown – described as populous, with extensive foraging trails ^[2][3]
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: estimated 6–10 weeks ^[2] (Direct data unavailable, estimate based on related Linepithema species and typical Dolichoderinae development at 20–24°C.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: 20–24°C (room temperature), avoid exceeding 28°C. Provide a gentle gradient ^[2][3].
  • Humidity: Moderate (50–70%). Keep nest substrate moist but not waterlogged. A moist nest chamber with drier foraging area works well ^[2].
  • Diapause: No – tropical montane species, true hibernation not required. A slight winter cooling may be beneficial but is not necessary ^[3].
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests with multiple connected chambers to mimic polydomous nesting under stones. Keep substrate moderately moist ^[2][3].
• Behavior: Generally docile and non-aggressive. Workers form extensive foraging trails both day and night. They recruit to food sources and tend aphids for honeydew. Escape risk is moderate – standard fluon barriers are sufficient ^[2][3].
• Common Issues: dry conditions can cause colony decline – maintain moderate humidity., extreme heat above 28°C should be avoided as they are montane-adapted., wild-caught colonies may carry parasites that affect survival in captivity., founding phase may be slow, patience is required.

Housing and Nest Setup

Linepithema keiteli naturally nests under stones and in soil, often with multiple entrances extending under a series of stones ^[2][3]. For captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nest works well. Provide multiple connected chambers to accommodate their polydomous nature – this mimics their natural tendency to have several nest entrances. Keep the nest substrate moderately moist but not waterlogged. A small water reservoir connected to the nest helps maintain humidity. Standard escape prevention with fluon on test tube rims or formicarium edges is sufficient – they are small but not extreme escape artists. A foraging area should be spacious enough for their active foraging trails.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, workers recruit to dead insects and have been observed tending aphids on Psidium guayaba trees ^[2]. In captivity, offer a varied diet including protein sources (small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworms) and sugar sources (sugar water, honey, or diluted honey). Protein should be offered 2–3 times per week, with sugar water constantly available. Their populous colonies can consume significant amounts of food, so monitor and adjust feeding based on colony size. Remove uneaten prey after 24–48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Environmental Care

As a montane species from Hispaniola, Linepithema keiteli prefers moderate temperatures rather than extreme heat. Keep the nest area at 20–24°C – room temperature is often suitable. Avoid temperatures above 28°C. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create a temperature gradient, allowing workers to choose their preferred zone. Since they come from a tropical island that does not experience true winter, hibernation is likely not required. However, a slight reduction in temperature during winter months (down to around 18–20°C) may mimic their natural seasonal cycle and could benefit colony health ^[2][3].

Behavior and Observation

One of the most interesting aspects of Linepithema keiteli is their activity pattern – they form extensive foraging trails during both day and night, which is unusual among ants. Workers are active foragers that readily recruit to food sources. They are not particularly aggressive or defensive, making them suitable for observation. The species tends aphids in nature, so you may observe honeydew-seeking behavior if sugar sources are offered. Colonies are polydomous in the wild, meaning they maintain multiple nest entrances – this behavioral tendency may be expressed in captivity by spreading between connected chambers ^[2][3].

Frequently Asked Questions

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please report here, it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References