Scientific illustration of Prolasius advena (Small Brown Bush Ant) - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Small Brown Bush Ant

Prolasius advena

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Prolasius advena
Tribe
Melophorini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Smith, 1862
Common Name
Small Brown Bush Ant
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
AI Identifiable
try →

Introduction

Prolasius advena is a small ant native to New Zealand, found exclusively in native beech forests . Workers are dark brown to black with a shiny appearance, but specific size data is unavailable. This species belongs to the subfamily Formicinae, which lack a stinger and defend by spraying formic acid. Originally described in 1862,it was once considered a separate species (Formica zealandica) before being synonymized . As an endemic species, it is found throughout both the North and South Islands .

Loading distribution map...

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: Native to New Zealand, found in native beech forests across both islands [1][2].
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. No direct studies exist on queen number or social structure.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable
    • Worker: Size data unavailable
    • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists
    • Growth: Moderate, inferred from related Formicinae species
    • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature, based on typical Formicinae patterns (Development time may vary with temperature.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep around 18-22°C. Based on their temperate habitat, they prefer cooler conditions [1].
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as beech forests are damp environments [1].
    • Diapause: Yes, winter dormancy is likely needed for this temperate species.
    • Nesting: In nature, they nest in decaying wood or soil beneath leaf litter [1]. In captivity, use naturalistic setups with soil and rotting wood, or Y-tong/plaster nests.
  • Behavior: Generally calm and not aggressive. Can spray formic acid as defense. Small size requires escape prevention.
  • Common Issues: limited availability due to New Zealand export restrictions, escape prevention, small size means they can escape through tiny gaps, humidity control, too dry or too wet can cause issues, winter dormancy, failing to provide diapause may stress colonies, very limited care information, much of captive care is inferred

Origin and Natural Habitat

Prolasius advena is endemic to New Zealand, found nowhere else in the world [2]. They inhabit native beech forests throughout both the North and South Islands [1]. In their natural habitat, they nest in decaying wood, under loose bark, or in soil rich with organic matter [1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a temperate New Zealand species, Prolasius advena prefers cooler temperatures. Keep the nest area in the range of 18-22°C year-round. During winter, provide a dormancy period by reducing temperatures to around 10-15°C for 2-3 months. This mimics the natural seasonal cycle in beech forests [1].

Nesting and Housing

In the wild, Prolasius advena nests in decaying wood and soil beneath leaf litter [1]. For captivity, a naturalistic setup works well: a mix of soil and small pieces of rotting wood. Alternatively, a Y-tong nest or moist plaster nest provides good humidity control.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Formicinae ants, Prolasius advena is likely omnivorous. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey water as a constant energy source, and protein sources like small insects weekly.

Behavior and Defense

Prolasius advena workers are relatively calm and not aggressive toward keepers. Like all Formicinae ants, they lack a stinger but can spray formic acid as a defense mechanism.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Prolasius advena to go from egg to worker?

The exact development time is unconfirmed for this species. Based on typical Formicinae development patterns, expect around 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature (around 20°C). Development is likely slower in cooler conditions and faster in warmer ones.

What temperature do Prolasius advena ants need?

Keep them at 18-22°C. This New Zealand temperate species prefers cooler conditions based on their habitat [1]. Room temperature is typically suitable, and you should provide a winter dormancy period with reduced temperatures.

Can I keep multiple Prolasius advena queens together?

This has not been studied. The colony structure of this species is unconfirmed. Based on related Melophorini species, they likely form single-queen colonies. Combining unrelated queens is not recommended without evidence they can coexist.

How big do Prolasius advena colonies get?

Colony size is unknown, no scientific data exists on maximum colony size for this species. Based on related Melophorini species, colonies likely reach several hundred workers at most.

Do Prolasius advena need hibernation?

Yes, a winter dormancy period is recommended. Reduce temperatures to around 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter to mimic their natural seasonal cycle in New Zealand beech forests.

What do Prolasius advena eat?

They are omnivorous. Offer sugar water or honey water constantly, and protein sources like small insects weekly. They likely scavenge and may tend aphids for honeydew in the wild.

Is Prolasius advena good for beginners?

This species is rated as Medium difficulty. While not the most challenging species, care information is very limited since they are rarely kept in captivity. They are best suited for keepers comfortable with inferring care from related species.

Where is Prolasius advena found?

Prolasius advena is endemic to New Zealand, found throughout both the North Island and South Island in native beech forests [2][1].

Why are my Prolasius advena dying?

Common causes include: too dry conditions (they need consistent humidity), improper temperatures (too warm or too cold), stress from lack of winter dormancy, or escape due to small size. Review humidity, temperature, and ensure escape prevention is adequate.

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please , it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References

Creative Commons License

This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .