Myrmicaria birmana

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: This species is found across the Indomalaya region, including Myanmar, Thailand, Borneo, Indonesia, and Malaysia ^[1][2]. In Thailand, they have been recorded in eastern regions (Nakhon Ratchasima: Khao Yai) and southeastern regions (Chachoengsao: Khao Ang Reu Nai) ^[1]. They appear to prefer forested areas and have been collected from various locations in Borneo including Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, and West Borneo ^[2]. The natural habitat includes lowland tropical forests where they likely nest in the ground or in rotting wood.
• Colony Type: The colony structure is not fully documented in scientific literature. Winged queens have been collected in May, suggesting annual nuptial flights occur during this period ^[3]. Based on typical Myrmicaria behavior, colonies likely establish with a single queen that seals herself in to raise the first workers.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: size data unavailable, inferred from Myrmicaria genus (~10-12mm)
  • Worker: size data unavailable, inferred from Myrmicaria genus (~5-8mm)
  • Colony: likely reaches several hundred workers based on related species
  • Growth: moderate, estimated 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at tropical temperatures
  • Development: 6-10 weeks (estimated based on genus patterns and tropical climate) (Development likely faster than temperate species due to tropical origin. Warm temperatures around 24-28°C will accelerate development.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. These are tropical ants that thrive in warm, stable conditions. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a temperature gradient allowing workers to self-regulate.
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (60-80%). Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide a water tube for drinking water.
  • Diapause: No, being a tropical species, they do not require hibernation. Maintain year-round warm temperatures.
  • Nesting: In nature, they likely nest in the ground or in rotting wood. In captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster nest works well. Provide moist substrate and ensure good ventilation to prevent mold.
• Behavior: Myrmicaria birmana workers are active foragers and will readily hunt small prey. They are aggressive defenders of their nest and have a functional stinger, expect defensive behavior when the nest is disturbed. Workers are medium-sized and can climb well, so escape prevention is important. They are day-active and maintain visible foraging trails. The elongated gaster contains a stinger, and they are capable of delivering a painful sting if handled roughly or if their nest is threatened.
• Common Issues: colonies can fail if temperatures drop below 22°C, being tropical, they need consistent warmth, mold can become a problem if the nest is too wet with poor ventilation, wild-caught colonies may contain parasites that can decimate the colony in captivity, aggressive defense means handling requires care, they will sting if threatened, slow initial founding phase can cause keepers to overcheck the queen, disturbing the nest

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmicaria birmana does well in a Y-tong (AAC) nest or a plaster formicarium with narrow chambers scaled to their size. The nest should have a water reservoir to maintain humidity, but avoid flooding. Provide a connected outworld for foraging. Since they are tropical ants, keep the entire setup away from air conditioning or cold drafts. Use a test tube setup for the founding queen, a small test tube with a cotton ball providing water, placed in a dark container, works well for the claustral founding phase. Once the colony reaches 20-30 workers, you can move them to a more elaborate setup. ^[3][2]

Feeding and Diet

These ants are opportunistic predators and foragers. In captivity, they readily accept protein sources like small crickets, mealworms, fruit flies, and other small insects. They also collect honeydew and sugar water. Feed them small prey items 2-3 times per week, and keep a constant supply of sugar water (honey water or sugar water) available. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. Workers will forage actively and can be observed carrying prey back to the nest.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Being a tropical species from Southeast Asia, Myrmicaria birmana requires warm temperatures year-round. Keep the nest area at 24-28°C. A heating cable placed on top of the nest (never underneath where it could dry out the substrate too quickly) can help maintain optimal temperatures. They do not require hibernation or diapause, maintaining consistent warmth is key. Avoid temperature fluctuations and keep them away from windows with direct sunlight in summer or cold air in winter. Room temperature in a climate-controlled home is usually adequate if it stays around 24°C.

Behavior and Defense

Myrmicaria birmana workers are active foragers and will establish visible trails to food sources. They are defensive of their nest and possess a functional stinger. When threatened, workers will emerge aggressively and may sting. The sting is reportedly painful for humans, though not dangerous unless someone has an allergic reaction. Handle the colony gently and avoid tapping or shaking the nest. When observing, give them space and use red light at night if you want to watch their natural behavior without disturbing them. Workers can climb glass and smooth surfaces, so ensure your formicarium has proper barriers.

Colony Development

A founding queen will seal herself in a small chamber and lay eggs after 1-2 weeks. She will not leave to forage, she lives entirely on her stored fat reserves (claustral founding). The first brood develops over 6-10 weeks depending on temperature. The first workers (nanitics) will be smaller than mature workers. After they emerge, the queen stops foraging and the workers take over all colony tasks. Colony growth is moderate, expect several months before you have a decent number of workers. Patience is key during the founding phase. Do not disturb the queen during this time or you risk her abandoning or eating the brood.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References