Lordomyrma polita

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Unknown, limited captive data available
• Origin & Habitat: Fiji Islands (Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Koro). Found in highland areas around Mt. Tomaniivi, drier western forests near Vaturu Dam, and interior regions. Nests in rotting logs and between epiphyte roots and tree trunks ^[1][2][3].
• Colony Type: Colony structure has not been documented in scientific literature
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, queen measurements not documented
  • Worker: 3.32-3.86mm ^[1][3]
  • Colony: Unknown, colony size data not available
  • Growth: Unknown, development timeline unstudied
  • Development: Development time unknown for this species (No captive development data exists. Related Pacific Myrmicinae species typically develop from egg to worker in 6-10 weeks at warm temperatures, but actual timing for L. polita may differ significantly.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: As a tropical Fijian species, likely prefers warm conditions. Based on their highland habitat, they probably experience temperatures ranging from roughly 18-28°C year-round. Aim for temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius (22-26°C) for optimal colony activity.
  • Humidity: Moderate to high, natural habitat includes forest areas with epiphyte roots suggesting damp conditions. Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Unknown, tropical species may not require formal diapause
  • Nesting: Natural nesting occurs in rotting logs and between epiphyte roots and tree trunks. In captivity, Y-tong nests, plaster nests, or naturalistic setups with rotting wood work well. Provide damp nest materials that retain some moisture ^[1].
• Behavior: Behavior is poorly documented. Based on genus placement in Myrmicinae, likely has standard foraging patterns with workers searching for small invertebrates and honeydew. Escape risk is moderate due to medium worker size, standard escape prevention measures should suffice. Temperament is not documented but related Lordomyrma species are generally non-aggressive.
• Common Issues: limited availability, this species is rarely available in the antkeeping hobby due to its restricted range, no established captive protocols, care requirements are largely inferred from related species, slow growth expected, without documented development times, colonies may take longer than expected to establish, humidity management critical, nesting in rotting wood indicates need for consistently damp nest conditions, escape prevention important despite medium size, small colony size may lead to escapes if not monitored

Natural History and Distribution

Lordomyrma polita is endemic to the Fiji Islands. The species has been documented on three main islands: Viti Levu (the largest island), Vanua Levu (second largest), and the smaller island of Koro. Within Viti Levu, populations are known from the highlands surrounding Mt. Tomaniivi and the drier western forest near Vaturu Dam ^[1][2].

The species shows morphological variation across its range. Specimens from higher elevations around Nadarivatu and Navai tend to have more sculpted promesonotum and facial features with a flatter petiole node, while specimens from Koro and Vanua Levu show smoother features and more rounded petiole nodes ^[1][3].

In their natural habitat, these ants nest in rotting logs in the Navai area and Vanua Levu, and have been observed nesting between epiphyte roots and tree trunks on Koro. This epiphyte-root nesting behavior indicates they prefer humid, shaded microhabitats with access to decaying organic material ^[1][2].

Housing and Nesting Preferences

Based on natural nesting behavior, Lordomyrma polita should do well in setups that mimic their natural rotting wood habitat. Y-tong nests work well for this species, as do plaster nests or naturalistic setups with damp rotting wood. The key requirement is maintaining consistent humidity without waterlogging the nest.

Foraging areas should be appropriately scaled to their medium size (3.32-3.86mm workers). Standard formicarium chambers work well. Given their epiphyte-root nesting in the wild, including some live moss or damp organic material in the outworld can help create comfortable conditions.

Escape prevention should be moderate, while not among the smallest ants, they are still capable of escaping through standard gaps. Apply fluon or use test tube setups with cotton plugs for founding colonies, transitioning to formicaria as the colony grows.

Feeding and Nutrition

Direct feeding data for Lordomyrma polita does not exist in scientific literature. Based on genus placement in the Myrmicinae, they likely have typical omnivorous diets similar to most small to medium forest ants. Workers probably forage for small invertebrates, honeydew from aphids or scale insects, and may collect seeds.

For captive care, offer a varied diet including protein sources (small crickets, mealworms, fruit flies) and sugar sources (honey water, sugar water). Given their small size, prey items should be appropriately small. Live prey is likely preferred initially, but established colonies may accept pre-killed items. Monitor feeding response and adjust offerings based on colony acceptance.

Feed protein roughly twice weekly and provide constant access to sugar water. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold issues. Fresh water should always be available.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a tropical species from Fiji, Lordomyrma polita likely prefers warmer conditions with stable temperatures. Based on their highland habitat in Fiji, they probably experience temperatures ranging from roughly 18-28°C year-round, with high humidity. Aim for temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius (22-26°C) for optimal colony activity.

A heating cable on one side of the nest can help create a temperature gradient, allowing ants to self-regulate by moving between warmer and cooler areas. Place the heating element on top of the nest to avoid evaporating moisture too quickly. Monitor colony behavior, if workers consistently cluster in cooler areas, reduce heat, if they avoid heated areas entirely, the temperature may be too high.

Tropical species may not require formal hibernation, but cooler room temperatures during winter months may cause reduced activity. If your room temperature drops significantly below their preferred range, consider providing gentle supplemental heat.

Colony Development and Growth

Colony development for Lordomyrma polita has not been scientifically documented. Based on typical Myrmicinae development patterns, expect roughly 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperatures (around 24-26°C). This is a rough estimate, actual development could be faster or slower depending on conditions.

Founding queens should be housed in test tube setups with access to water via the cotton plug method. Since founding behavior is unconfirmed, monitor the queen closely. If she seals herself in (typical claustral behavior), do not disturb the chamber. If she remains active and forages (semi-claustral), provide small prey items.

Initial colony growth will likely be slow, with the first generation (nanitics) being smaller than mature workers. Be patient, small colonies can take months or even years to establish firmly. Avoid the temptation to overfeed, as excess food can mold and harm the colony.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References