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

Procryptocerus goeldii

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Procryptocerus goeldii
Tribe
Attini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Forel, 1899
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Procryptocerus goeldii is a small to medium-sized ant in the tribe Attini, found across the Neotropical region including Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, French Guiana, and Mexico . Workers have a smooth and shining anterodorsal face of the petiole, which distinguishes them from the similar P. hylaeus, and transverse striae on the vertex giving a granular appearance . This species is recorded in urban areas of southern Brazil, such as Chapecó, Concórdia, and Pinhalzinho . Size data is unavailable from literature. This species is notable for its potential sympatry with P. hylaeus over much of its range, and its ability to tolerate urban environments .

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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: Neotropical region: Brazil (Bahia, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo), Paraguay, Argentina, French Guiana, and Mexico. Found in urban areas of southern Brazil and Cerrado biome [1][2][3].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, no specific data on queen number or social structure
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: size data unavailable
    • Worker: size data unavailable
    • Colony: unknown
    • Growth: unknown
    • Development: unknown (No development data available for this species)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Unknown, no specific data. Keep warm and stable, roughly low-to-mid 20s°C based on Neotropical distribution
    • Humidity: Unknown, no specific data. Provide a humidity gradient with moist substrate but avoid waterlogging
    • Diapause: Unknown, likely no true diapause given tropical distribution
    • Nesting: Unknown, no specific data. Based on genus patterns, may prefer cryptic sites like rotting wood or leaf litter
  • Behavior: Behavior is poorly documented. Based on Myrmicinae patterns, workers are likely non-aggressive and cryptic. Sting capability is present in the subfamily but not specifically documented for this species. Escape risk is moderate due to small size, ensure containment.
  • Common Issues: no documented care information, all recommendations are estimates, colony may fail if humidity is incorrect, Neotropical species need stable moisture, temperature outside tropical range may stress colony, diet acceptance is unknown, trial-and-error feeding required, wild-caught colonies may have parasites or diseases

Species Identification and Range

Procryptocerus goeldii is distinguished from P. hylaeus by a smooth and shining anterodorsal face of the petiole, while P. hylaeus has transversely striate petiole [1]. The species occurs across the Neotropical region, including Brazil and Paraguay, and has been recorded in urban areas of southern Brazil [1][2].

Nesting and Habitat Preferences

No specific nesting data exists for this species. Based on genus patterns, they may nest in cryptic microhabitats like rotting wood or leaf litter. They tolerate urban environments, as recorded in multiple Brazilian cities [2]. For captivity, use a naturalistic setup with moist substrate.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

No specific thermal or humidity data is available. As a Neotropical species, keep temperatures warm and stable, roughly low-to-mid 20s°C, and provide a humidity gradient with moist substrate [1]. Monitor colony behavior for adjustments.

Feeding and Diet

Diet is unconfirmed. Offer varied foods like sugar sources (honey, sugar water) and protein (small insects), and observe acceptance. Remove uneaten food to prevent mold.

Colony Structure and Development

Colony structure and development are unconfirmed. No data on founding behavior, colony size, or growth rate. Based on typical ant patterns, development may take several weeks at tropical temperatures, but this is speculative.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Procryptocerus goeldii to produce first workers?

The egg-to-worker timeline is unknown for this species. No development data exists, so estimates are not reliable.

What do Procryptocerus goeldii ants eat?

Diet is unconfirmed. Offer sugar sources and small insects, and observe what they accept.

What temperature should I keep Procryptocerus goeldii at?

No specific data exists. Keep temperatures warm and stable, roughly low-to-mid 20s°C, based on their Neotropical distribution [1].

Are Procryptocerus goeldii good for beginners?

No, this species is not recommended for beginners due to lack of documented care information.

How big do Procryptocerus goeldii colonies get?

Colony size is unknown. No data on maximum size.

Can I keep multiple Procryptocerus goeldii queens together?

Colony structure is unconfirmed. Do not attempt combining queens without evidence they can coexist.

What type of nest should I use for Procryptocerus goeldii?

Nest type is unconfirmed. Based on likely habitat, use a naturalistic setup with moist substrate.

Do Procryptocerus goeldii need hibernation?

Diapause is unknown and unlikely given their tropical distribution. No special winter care is needed.

Where is Procryptocerus goeldii found in the wild?

They occur across the Neotropical region: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, French Guiana, and Mexico [1].

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References

Creative Commons License

This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .