Scientific illustration of Paratrachymyrmex mandibularis ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Paratrachymyrmex mandibularis

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Paratrachymyrmex mandibularis
Tribe
Attini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Weber, 1938
Distribution
Found in 2 countries
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Introduction

Paratrachymyrmex mandibularis is a small fungus-growing ant native to northern South America, inhabiting various forest types in the Guianese region . Size data is unavailable for this species, as no total length measurements are provided in the research . It belongs to the tribe Attini, where ants cultivate fungal gardens for food, and was previously classified as Trachymyrmex mandibularis . Identification features include short preocular carinae and long propodeal projections compared to other Paratrachymyrmex species . This species is special because it practices agriculture, tending fungal gardens as its sole food source, which requires specialized care focused on fungus health rather than direct feeding .

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Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Northern South America, specifically Guianese rainforests including Liana, Plateau, Transition, and Inselberg forests [1][2]. They are leaf-litter ants in humid tropical understories.
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, no research data on queen number or social structure.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements in context
    • Worker: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements in context
    • Colony: Colony size data unavailable, no research data on maximum workers
    • Growth: Moderate, inferred from typical fungus-growing ant patterns [1]
    • Development: Development timeline unknown, based on related species, estimated 8-12 weeks at optimal temperature [1] (Development is temperature-dependent, warmer conditions may accelerate growth. First workers (nanitics) are typically smaller.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm and stable, roughly 24-28°C, based on tropical habitat inference [1]. Use a gentle gradient but avoid direct heat.
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, based on fungus-growing needs [1]. Provide ventilation to prevent mold.
    • Diapause: No diapause required, as species is tropical [1]. Keep temperatures stable year-round.
    • Nesting: Use nests that retain moisture, such as plaster or soil nests, with good ventilation [1]. Avoid acrylic nests, recommend Y-tong or 3D-printed nests.
  • Behavior: Workers are peaceful and not aggressive, focused on tending fungal gardens. They are small and can escape through tiny gaps, so use fine mesh barriers [6]. Defense mechanism is a sting from subfamily Myrmicinae, but less medically significant to humans.
  • Common Issues: fungal garden collapse is a primary risk, if fungus dies, colony starves, so humidity control is critical [1]., mold is a constant threat, balance humidity with ventilation to prevent contamination [1]., overheating can kill colony and fungus, keep temperatures stable and avoid hot spots [1]., small size means escape risk is high, use fine mesh and check gaps regularly [6]., incorrect feeding can cause fungal die-off, research proper fungus cultivation techniques [1].

Understanding Fungus-Growing Ants

Paratrachymyrmex mandibularis belongs to the tribe Attini, which cultivates fungal gardens for food. Unlike most ants, they feed the fungus with plant material and insect fragments, then harvest the hyphae. This obligate relationship means the ants cannot survive without their fungus [1]. You are keeping two organisms that must both thrive for colony success.

Housing and Nest Setup

Use nests that maintain high humidity with good ventilation, such as plaster or soil nests. Connect to a water reservoir but avoid waterlogging. The outworld should have a dish for plant material and insect fragments. Use fine mesh (0.5mm or smaller) for escape prevention due to small size [6]. Start in a test tube setup and move to a formicarium when the colony grows [1].

Feeding the Colony

Feed the fungus, not the ants directly. Offer small pieces of fresh plant material (leaf fragments, flower petals, fruit) and tiny insect fragments (crushed fruit flies, small crickets). Place food on or near the fungal garden and remove uneaten food within 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Never feed sugar water or honey [1].

Temperature and Humidity Management

Keep temperatures warm and stable, roughly 24-28°C, based on tropical habitat inference [1]. Use a heating cable on one side for a gentle gradient. Humidity should be maintained with a moist substrate but allow slight drying between mistings to prevent stagnant conditions. Good ventilation is essential to avoid mold [1].

Colony Development and Growth

A new colony starts with a queen and fungal inoculum. The queen tends the fungus until workers emerge, which may take 8-12 weeks at optimal temperature [1]. Growth is moderate, with colonies remaining small for the first year. Patience is key, as fungus-growing ants are not fast growers [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I feed Paratrachymyrmex mandibularis?

Feed the fungus by placing small plant pieces and insect fragments on or near the garden. Remove uneaten food within 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Never feed sugar water or honey [1].

What temperature do Paratrachymyrmex mandibularis need?

Keep them at roughly 24-28°C, based on tropical habitat inference. Use a gentle gradient but avoid direct heat [1].

How long does it take for first workers to emerge?

Estimated 8-12 weeks from egg to worker at optimal temperature, based on related species [1].

Can I keep multiple queens together?

This has not been studied. Based on typical Attini patterns, single-queen colonies are likely, but combining queens is not recommended without evidence [1].

Do Paratrachymyrmex mandibularis need hibernation?

No, as a tropical species, they do not require diapause. Keep temperatures stable year-round [1].

Why is my fungal garden dying?

Fungal gardens die from improper humidity, temperature extremes, overfeeding causing mold, or contaminated materials. Check conditions and remove uneaten food promptly [1].

Are Paratrachymyrmex ants dangerous?

They are not aggressive, but possess a sting from subfamily Myrmicinae, which is less medically significant to humans [6].

What size colony does Paratrachymyrmex mandibularis reach?

Colony size data is unavailable from research. Growth is slow, with colonies remaining small initially [1].

When should I move them to a formicarium?

Move from a test tube setup when the colony grows or the fungal garden becomes too large, using a nest with good humidity retention [1].

Why are my ants escaping?

Their small size means they can slip through gaps. Use fine mesh (0.5mm or smaller) on all openings and check regularly [6].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .