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

Plagiolepis jerdonii

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Plagiolepis jerdonii
Tribe
Plagiolepidini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Forel, 1894
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Plagiolepis jerdonii workers are tiny, measuring 1.3 to 1.5 millimeters long . They are dark brown to black with pale yellowish-brown antennae, legs, and tarsi . Their bodies are smooth and shiny with sparse hairs . These ants live in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and China , found in forest soils and coconut plantations at elevations of 750 to 2000 meters . Researchers collect them using honey baiting and soil sifting, indicating they forage for sweet liquids and nest in soil or leaf litter . They belong to the cryptic functional group, meaning they stay hidden in soil and debris rather than foraging openly .

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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: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and China [2][3]. Found in forest soils and coconut plantations at elevations of 750-2000 meters [4][5][6].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, colony structure has not been documented.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Unknown.
    • Worker: 1.3-1.5 mm [1].
    • Colony: Unknown.
    • Growth: Unknown.
    • Development: Unknown, no data on egg-to-worker timeline. (This species' development timeline is not documented in the research context.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Specific requirements are unknown. Based on their distribution in tropical and subtropical regions, start with temperatures around 22-26°C and observe colony activity [4][5].
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, matching their forest soil habitat [6][7].
    • Diapause: Unknown.
    • Nesting: Use small-chambered nests with narrow passages to accommodate their tiny size. Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests work well.
  • Behavior: Plagiolepis jerdonii is a cryptic soil-dwelling species that avoids open foraging [5]. They are non-aggressive due to their small size, but excellent escape artists due to their 1.3-1.5 mm size [1].
  • Common Issues: escape risk due to tiny size, use fine mesh and Fluon barriers [1]., founding behavior unconfirmed, queens may be difficult to establish., care parameters unknown, require careful observation and adjustment.

Nest Preferences

Plagiolepis jerdonii nests in soil and leaf litter, as shown by collection methods using soil sifting and honey baiting [7][6]. They are also found in coconut plantation soils [6]. In captivity, provide small-chambered nests such as Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests with narrow tunnels scaled to their 1.5 mm size. Avoid tall, open spaces that feel insecure to such small ants.

Feeding and Diet

Researchers use honey baiting to collect these ants, indicating they seek sweet liquids [7][6]. You should offer sugar water or diluted honey constantly. Provide small protein sources like springtails or fruit flies for brood development, though exact preferences are unconfirmed.

Temperature and Humidity

These ants live in Himalayan foothills and tropical regions at 750-2000 meters elevation [4][5]. Start with temperatures around 22-26°C and adjust based on colony activity. Keep the nest substrate damp but not waterlogged, matching their forest soil habitat [6][7].

Behavior and Temperament

Plagiolepis jerdonii belongs to the cryptic functional group, living hidden in soil and leaf litter [5]. They are not aggressive and pose no sting risk. However, their tiny 1.3-1.5 mm workers can escape through small gaps, so use Fluon barriers and fine mesh ventilation [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep Plagiolepis jerdonii in a test tube?

Yes, test tubes work well for founding and small colonies. Use a standard 15mm or smaller diameter tube with a tight cotton plug. Because workers are only 1.3-1.5mm, ensure the cotton is packed firmly to prevent escapes [1].

How long until Plagiolepis jerdonii gets its first workers?

Unknown, no data on egg-to-worker timeline in the research context.

Do Plagiolepis jerdonii need hibernation?

It is unknown whether they require a winter rest period. Their distribution includes Himalayan foothills where temperatures drop, but specific diapause requirements are unconfirmed [4].

What do Plagiolepis jerdonii eat?

They are attracted to honey and sugar water based on successful honey baiting in field studies [7][6]. Offer diluted honey or sugar water constantly, and provide small protein sources like springtails or fruit flies.

Are Plagiolepis jerdonii good for beginners?

No, due to their tiny size and unconfirmed care requirements [1].

How do I prevent Plagiolepis jerdonii from escaping?

Use Fluon or talcum powder barriers on all outworld rims. Ensure ventilation mesh is fine enough to stop 1.3mm ants. Check that lids fit tightly without gaps [1].

How big do Plagiolepis jerdonii colonies get?

Colony size is unknown.

Can I keep multiple Plagiolepis jerdonii queens together?

Not recommended. Whether they accept multiple queens is unconfirmed.

What is the ideal temperature for Plagiolepis jerdonii?

Specific requirements are unknown. Start with 22-26°C based on their tropical and subtropical distribution [4][5]. Adjust based on colony activity.

Why are my Plagiolepis jerdonii dying?

Common causes include escapes (they desiccate quickly outside the nest), incorrect humidity (they need damp substrate), or founding failure (if the queen was not fertilized or requires specific conditions we don't yet know) [6].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .