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

Perissomyrmex fissus

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Perissomyrmex fissus
Tribe
Crematogastrini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Xu & Wang, 2004
Distribution
Found in 1 countries

Introduction

Perissomyrmex fissus is a small ant species from Yunnan Province, China. Workers are 3.1 mm in total length . They have a nearly square head,9-segmented antennae, strong propodeal spines, and a black gaster with brown head and alitrunk . The species was found at 2500 m elevation in the Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve, in sub-alpine moist evergreen broadleaf forest . This is the third species described in the genus Perissomyrmex, making it rare in both wild and captivity .

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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: Expert
  • Origin & Habitat: Yunnan Province, China at 2500 m elevation in sub-alpine moist evergreen broadleaf forest [1].
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed, no biological studies have been published [1].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Unknown, only worker caste described [1]
    • Worker: 3.1 mm total length [1]
    • Colony: Unknown
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unknown, no development data exists (Development timeline cannot be estimated due to lack of data.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Inferred from high-altitude habitat to prefer cool conditions, roughly 15-22°C. Start at room temperature and observe colony activity [1].
    • Humidity: Inferred from moist forest habitat, requires high humidity. Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged [1].
    • Diapause: Unknown, likely required given temperate location, but no direct studies exist.
    • Nesting: Ground-nesting species collected from soil sample. In captivity, use test tube setup or small nest with high humidity [1].
  • Behavior: Behavior is unstudied. Based on small size, they are likely docile. Escape risk is high due to 3.1 mm size, use fine mesh or barriers [1].
  • Common Issues: complete lack of biological data makes captive care challenging., only known from a single specimen, no captive colonies exist., hibernation requirements unknown but likely needed., tiny size creates escape risk., diet acceptance unknown.

Discovery and Rarity

Perissomyrmex fissus was described in 2004 from a single worker specimen in Yunnan, China [1]. The genus has only four species worldwide, making this ant rare [2][3]. No biological studies exist, so care is experimental.

Housing and Escape Prevention

Workers are 3.1 mm long, so escape prevention is critical [1]. Use fine mesh or fluon barriers. Test tube setups work for founding colonies, mimicking ground-nesting behavior [1].

Temperature and Humidity Management

From habitat at 2500 m, prefer cool 15-22°C [1]. Humidity should be high, with moist substrate [1].

Feeding Strategy

Diet is unknown, no studies exist on feeding habits [1]. Based on Myrmicinae patterns, they might eat small prey, but this is speculative. Offer springtails, fruit flies, and sugar water, but acceptance is unknown.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

This species has never been exported from China. Collection from wild could harm rare populations [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep Perissomyrmex fissus as a pet ant?

No, this species is unavailable in the hobby. It was described from a single specimen, and no captive populations exist [1].

How big do Perissomyrmex fissus colonies get?

Unknown, only one worker has been collected [1].

What do Perissomyrmex fissus eat?

Diet is completely unconfirmed. No studies exist on their feeding habits [1].

Do Perissomyrmex fissus ants sting?

Unknown, no studies on sting potency. Given their small size, any sting would likely be negligible [1].

What temperature do Perissomyrmex fissus need?

Inferred from their high-altitude habitat to prefer cool conditions around 15-22°C [1].

Do Perissomyrmex fissus need hibernation?

Likely yes given their temperate mountain origin, but this is unconfirmed [1].

How long does it take for Perissomyrmex fissus to develop from egg to worker?

Unknown, no development data exists for this species [1].

Are Perissomyrmex fissus good for beginners?

No, this is an expert-only species due to rarity and lack of data [1].

Can I keep multiple Perissomyrmex fissus queens together?

Unknown, colony structure has never been studied [1].

Where does Perissomyrmex fissus live in the wild?

Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China at 2500 m elevation [1].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .