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

Protalaridris bordoni

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Protalaridris bordoni
Tribe
Attini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Lattke, 2018
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Protalaridris bordoni is a rare ant species described in 2018,known only from Henri Pittier National Park in Venezuela . Workers are very small, but exact body size is unavailable from current data . They have complex mandibles with a prominent ventral tooth and reduced eyes to a single ommatidium . The species is often covered in a layer of debris, particularly in cuticular grooves . This ant was discovered living alongside Protalaridris punctata, with specimens found only 10 meters apart, the only known site where two Protalaridris species co-occur .

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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: Henri Pittier National Park, Aragua, Venezuela at 1200-1450m elevation in cloud forest [1][2].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, only six workers and one queen have been collected [1].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable [1].
    • Worker: Size data unavailable [1].
    • Colony: No data on mature colony size, only six workers and one queen observed in wild [1].
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unknown, no captive breeding data [1]. (Development timeline is unstudied.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Based on cloud forest habitat, likely cool temperatures around 18-22°C [1].
    • Humidity: High humidity likely needed, keep substrate moist but not waterlogged [1].
    • Diapause: Unknown, no seasonal data [1].
    • Nesting: Found in leaf litter and soil samples, recommend naturalistic setup with moist substrate [1][2].
  • Behavior: Behavior unstudied. Mandible structure suggests predatory behavior [1]. Eyes reduced, so rely on chemical/tactile senses [1][2]. Escape prevention critical due to minute size [1]. Sting present as typical for Myrmicinae, but behavior unobserved.
  • Common Issues: never been kept in captivity, no care protocols exist [1], tiny size makes escape prevention extremely difficult [1], high humidity requirements may cause mold in enclosed nests [1], feeding habits unknown, diet is speculative [1], only known from a single wild population, wild collection is unlikely [1]

Discovery and Rarity

Protalaridris bordoni was described in 2018 [1]. The entire known population comes from a small area in Henri Pittier National Park at elevations between 1200-1450 meters [1]. Only six workers and a single queen have ever been collected, making it one of the rarest ants [1]. No antkeeper has maintained a colony, so all care would be pioneering [1].

Unique Morphology

The mandibles form a cage-like structure with a prominent ventromedially directed tooth [1]. This suggests predatory behavior [1]. Eyes are reduced to a single ommatidium, indicating reliance on non-visual senses [1][2]. Workers are very small, with size data unavailable [1]. Many specimens have a coating of light-colored debris [2].

Natural Habitat and Environment

Protalaridris bordoni is known only from cloud forest in Venezuela [1]. It was found in leaf litter and soil samples, indicating ground-nesting behavior [1][2]. The habitat has high humidity and moderate temperatures [1]. Both Protalaridris species were found only 10 meters apart, suggesting different microhabitats [1][2].

Taxonomy and Relationships

Protalaridris belongs to the tribe Attini within Myrmicinae [1]. The genus has unusual mandible morphology, suggesting a specialized ecological niche [1]. The deep labral cleft is a distinctive feature [1][2].

Feeding and Diet

Diet is completely unstudied [1]. Mandible structure suggests predatory behavior, likely hunting small arthropods [1]. For captive care, experimentation with tiny live prey would be needed [1].

Housing and Escape Prevention

Workers are very small, so escape prevention is critical [1]. Standard equipment may not work, custom tight housing is needed [1]. High humidity requirements add challenges [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep Protalaridris bordoni as a pet?

No, this species has never been kept in captivity and is extremely rare [1].

What do Protalaridris bordoni ants eat?

Unknown, no feeding observations exist. Their mandibles suggest predatory behavior [1].

How big do Protalaridris bordoni colonies get?

No data on mature colony size, only six workers and one queen have been observed [1].

What temperature and humidity do Protalaridris bordoni need?

Based on habitat, likely cool temperatures (18-22°C) and high humidity [1].

Are Protalaridris bordoni good for beginners?

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

Where is Protalaridris bordoni found?

Only in Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela [1].

How long do Protalaridris bordoni take to develop from egg to worker?

Unknown, no captive breeding data [1].

Can I find Protalaridris bordoni in the wild?

Extremely unlikely, only collected by researchers in a protected park [1].

Do Protalaridris bordoni need hibernation?

Unknown, no seasonal data [1].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .