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

Pseudomyrmex colei

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Pseudomyrmex colei
Tribe
Pseudomyrmecini
Subfamily
Pseudomyrmecinae
Author
Enzmann, 1944
Distribution
Found in 1 countries

Introduction

Pseudomyrmex colei is a slender, elongated ant from the Pseudomyrmecinae subfamily. Workers are typically 4-7 mm with a distinctive long, narrow body shape - typical of twig ants. This species is recorded from Peru, with the type locality in Ca . Like other Pseudomyrmex, they are fast-moving, alert ants with excellent vision. They are primarily predatory, hunting small insects, and have a well-developed sting used to aggressively defend their nest and host plants .

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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: Peru [1], tropical and subtropical forest environments where they nest in hollow plant stems and twigs [2].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, no specific colony structure data exists for this species
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Estimated 7-9 mm, inferred from Pseudomyrmex genus patterns [2]
    • Worker: Estimated 4-7 mm, inferred from Pseudomyrmex genus patterns [2]
    • Colony: Up to several hundred workers, based on related species [2]
    • Growth: Moderate, based on genus patterns
    • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature based on related species [2] (Development time is inferred from genus-level data, the exact timeline for P. colei is unconfirmed.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 22-26°C, these are tropical ants. Provide a gentle gradient so they can choose their preferred spot [2].
    • Humidity: Moderate humidity, keep the nest environment moist but not waterlogged. As twig-nesters, they experience variable moisture [2].
    • Diapause: Unknown, as a tropical species, they likely do not need hibernation, but there is no specific data [2].
    • Nesting: Provide hollow nesting options: bamboo sections, dead twigs with pith removed, or Y-tong (AAC) nests with narrow horizontal chambers. Avoid large open spaces. Never use acrylic nests [2].
  • Behavior: Pseudomyrmex ants are active, alert foragers with excellent vision. They have a potent sting and will aggressively defend their nest and host plants [2]. Escape risk is high, their slender bodies let them slip through tiny gaps, so seal the enclosure well.
  • Common Issues: tropical species may struggle below 20°C, consistent heat is needed, predatory diet requires live prey several times a week, high escape risk, check all seals and gaps, wild-caught colonies may carry pathogens or be stressed, twig-nesting preference means standard test tubes are not ideal for founding, use bamboo or horizontal cavities, limited species-specific data means keepers must observe and adapt care

Housing and Nest Preferences

Pseudomyrmex colei is a twig-nesting ant that naturally lives inside hollow stems and dead twigs. In captivity, provide bamboo sections or twigs with the pith removed. Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests with narrow horizontal chambers also work well, the key is tight, enclosed spaces that mimic their natural environment. Avoid large open formicaria or acrylic nests. Test tubes can be used for founding but may need modification to offer a horizontal orientation [2].

Feeding and Diet

Like other Pseudomyrmex, P. colei is primarily predatory. Feed small live insects such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, small mealworms, and other tiny arthropods. They may also accept protein sources like bloodworms or freeze-dried insects. Offer a drop of honey or sugar water occasionally, but protein should be the main food. Feed small prey 2-3 times per week and remove leftovers after 24 hours to prevent mold [2].

Temperature and Humidity

Keep these tropical ants warm, around 22-26°C. A heat cable on one side of the nest creates a gradient they can regulate themselves. For humidity, aim for moderate moisture, the nest substrate should be slightly moist but allowed to dry a little between waterings. Avoid both waterlogging and complete dryness [2].

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Pseudomyrmex ants are fast, alert foragers with excellent vision. They will hunt prey actively. When threatened, they use a well-developed sting to defend the nest, they can be quite aggressive toward intruders [2]. Colony growth is moderate, it may take several months to build up worker numbers. Expect them to establish foraging trails once settled.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Pseudomyrmex colei to produce first workers?

Based on related Pseudomyrmex species, expect 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature (22-26°C). The exact timeline for P. colei specifically has not been documented [2].

What do Pseudomyrmex colei ants eat?

They are primarily predatory. Feed small live insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and small mealworms. They may also accept protein sources like bloodworms and occasionally sugar water or honey [2].

Can I keep Pseudomyrmex colei in a test tube?

Test tubes can work for founding, but these ants prefer horizontal twig-like cavities. Consider using bamboo sections, hollow twigs, or a Y-tong nest with narrow horizontal chambers for better success [2].

Do Pseudomyrmex colei ants sting?

Yes, Pseudomyrmex ants have a well-developed sting and will use it aggressively to defend their nest and host plants. They are known to be quite aggressive when threatened [2].

Are Pseudomyrmex colei good for beginners?

They are considered medium difficulty. They need warm temperatures, a strictly predatory diet, and a proper twig-like nesting setup. They are manageable for intermediate keepers but not the easiest species [2].

How big do Pseudomyrmex colei colonies get?

The maximum colony size for this species is unconfirmed. Based on related Pseudomyrmex species, colonies likely reach up to several hundred workers over time [2].

Do Pseudomyrmex colei need hibernation?

Probably not. As tropical ants from Peru, they do not require true hibernation. They may slow down slightly in cooler months but do not need a diapause period [2].

Why are my Pseudomyrmex colei dying?

Common causes include: temperatures below 20°C (they need warmth), incorrect moisture levels, lack of live protein, or stress from wild-caught origins. Maintain 22-26°C, moderate humidity, and consistent prey availability. Observe and adjust based on colony response [2].

Can I keep multiple Pseudomyrmex colei queens together?

The colony structure for this species is unconfirmed. Some Pseudomyrmex are single-queen while others accept multiple queens. Without data for P. colei, it is not recommended to combine unrelated queens [2].

When should I move Pseudomyrmex colei to a formicarium?

Move them when the founding setup becomes crowded, typically when the colony reaches 20-30 workers. Ensure the new setup provides appropriate twig-like nesting cavities [2].

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References

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