Myrmicaria carinata

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to the Indomalayan region including Borneo, Brunei, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Found in lowland dipterocarp forests and higher elevation areas up to 1500m. Ground-nesting in forested habitats. ^[1][2][5]
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed colony structure – whether single-queen or multi-queen has not been documented in scientific literature.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable. Based on related Myrmicaria species, queens are likely larger than workers.
  • Worker: 4.5-5mm (Sumatran specimens up to 6.3mm) ^[3]
  • Colony: Unknown – no colony size data available.
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks based on typical Myrmicinae development at warm tropical temperatures (25-28°C). Not directly studied for this species. (Inferred from related species. Founding behavior unconfirmed.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. As a tropical species from Southeast Asia, they need consistent warmth. A temperature gradient with a heating cable is beneficial.
  • Humidity: High humidity preferred. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged – aim for a damp, forest-floor feel.
  • Diapause: Unknown. Given its tropical origin, true hibernation is likely not required, but activity may slow during cooler periods.
  • Nesting: Ground-nesting species. Use a naturalistic setup: Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nest with good moisture control, or a well-drained soil nest. Avoid dry nests. Provide chambers deep enough for colony expansion.
• Behavior: Behavior not well-documented. Based on the tribe Solenopsidini, workers have a sting for defense. They are moderate foragers, likely searching for protein and sugar sources. Escape risk is moderate due to size (4.5-5mm) – standard barriers suffice. Temperament is likely moderate, they will defend the nest but are not particularly aggressive.
• Common Issues: lack of specific care data makes successful husbandry more challenging, humidity control is critical – too dry causes colony failure, too wet risks flooding, temperature must be consistently warm, cool temperatures stress this tropical species, no documented diapause requirements means seasonal care is uncertain, wild-caught colonies may carry undiscovered parasites or diseases

Natural History and Distribution

Myrmicaria carinata is found across the Indomalayan region, with documented populations in Borneo, Brunei, India (Karnataka), Indonesia (Sumatra, Java), and Malaysia. The species was first described from Borneo in 1857 and has been collected from lowland dipterocarp forests in Brunei, as well as higher elevations in West Sumatra (~900m), East Java (1400m), and the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia (1500m). This altitudinal range suggests some habitat flexibility, though all sites are forested. The species is ground-nesting, one nest was found in soil near a pond in Java. ^[1][2][5][3]

Identification and Morphology

Workers of Myrmicaria carinata measure 4.5-5mm, with a dark blackish head and gaster, a rusty red (ferruginous) thorax, and dark brown appendages with lighter joints and tarsi. Strong sculptural features are present. Sumatran specimens tend to be larger (5-6.3mm). The species was historically confused with related taxa and at one point considered a subspecies of Myrmicaria fodica. ^[3]

Housing and Nest Setup

Since M. carinata is a ground-nesting ant from tropical forests, choose a nest that holds humidity well while allowing proper drainage. A plaster or Y-tong (AAC) nest with a water reservoir works well, as does a natural soil nest. Avoid dry setups. The chambers should be deep enough for colony growth but not excessively large – overly spacious chambers can make it hard for the ants to maintain proper humidity gradients. Provide an outworld for foraging. Use standard escape prevention: workers are not tiny but can still exploit small gaps. ^[2]

Feeding and Nutrition

Specific dietary preferences for M. carinata have not been documented, but Myrmicaria species are generally omnivorous, like most Solenopsidini. Offer a varied diet: protein sources (small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworms) and sugar sources (honey water or sugar water). In their tropical forest home, they likely rely on honeydew from aphids and scale insects, so provide sugar consistently. Offer protein 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water always available. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Being a tropical species from the Indomalayan region, M. carinata needs warmth – aim for 24-28°C. A gentle heat gradient, achieved with a small heating mat on one side of the nest, lets workers choose their comfort zone. Humidity should be high, keep the nest substrate consistently damp but not waterlogged. These forest-dwelling ground ants are sensitive to drying out. Monitor condensation as a gauge – too little means the nest is too dry, too much can cause flooding.

Colony Development and Growth

Specific development data for M. carinata is not available. Based on typical Myrmicinae development at 25-28°C, estimate around 6-8 weeks from egg to first worker (nanitic). The queen likely seals herself in a claustral chamber to raise the first brood, but this specific founding behavior has not been confirmed. Wild colony size is unknown – related Myrmicaria species can reach several hundred workers, but that is an estimate. Growth rate is unknown but likely moderate for a tropical myrmicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References