Probolomyrmex boliviensis

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Rainforests of northern South America, including Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia ^[1]. Found at elevations from sea level to 1610 m, typically in rotting wood or under stones ^[4][3].
• Colony Type: Polygynous (multiple queens), a colony with 7 queens was documented ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~2.8 mm ^[1]
  • Worker: ~2.78-3.27 mm ^[2][3]
  • Colony: Up to 22 workers ^[1]
  • Growth: Unknown, only one worker was observed to develop in captivity
  • Development: Unknown, no direct data exists (One worker took about 5 days to attain full coloration after emergence ^[1])
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, around 24-28°C, as this is a tropical species ^[1].
  • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, based on their rainforest habitat ^[1].
  • Diapause: Unknown, no data on diapause requirements
  • Nesting: Natural nesting occurs in rotting wood galleries ^[1]. Use plaster or soil nests with small chambers, avoid acrylic nests.
• Behavior: Workers are active and excitable, running rapidly when disturbed ^[1]. They are shy and retreat from threats. Escape risk is high due to small size (under 4 mm), so ensure tight nest seals. They have a well-developed sting, but impact on humans is minimal due to size ^[1].
• Common Issues: this species refused all prey in lab observations, feeding may be impossible to replicate, only one colony has been kept in captivity and died within 6 days, long-term survival is unproven, extremely rare in the wild, finding or transporting colonies is difficult, unique larval hanging behavior requires specific nest conditions we don't fully understand

Nest Preferences and Housing

In the wild, Probolomyrmex boliviensis nests in old beetle galleries within rotting wood partially buried in soil ^[1]. A studied colony occupied about 3 cm of a gallery 6-10 mm in diameter ^[1]. For captivity, use damp rotting wood or a plaster nest with small chambers. Maintain high humidity but ensure ventilation to prevent mold. They prefer darkness, as they are cryptic forest-floor ants ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Feeding is a major challenge. In lab observations, the colony refused all prey offered, including springtails, spiders, flies, beetles, and termites ^[1]. They retreated from prey rather than attacking it. This suggests a highly specialized diet that may be impossible to replicate. Do not expect to keep this species successfully without research-level resources ^[1].

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Workers are very active and excitable, running nervously when disturbed ^[1]. They constantly groom themselves and nestmates. The colony is shy and retreats from threats. One queen was carried by a worker in a pupal posture ^[1]. Workers take about 5 days to fully color after emergence ^[1].

Brood Development

Larvae and pharate pupae are suspended from the nest ceiling by abdominal tubercles, hanging head downwards ^[1]. Eggs and pupae are normally on the floor but may attach to the ceiling under moist conditions. Workers constantly attend to larvae ^[1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a tropical species, keep temperatures at 24-28°C year-round ^[1]. No diapause is required, but this is unconfirmed. Maintain stable warmth without fluctuations ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References