Nesomyrmex evelynae

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Afrotropical rainforests of equatorial Africa (Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, D.R. Congo, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya). Lives in the canopy stratum, not on the forest floor ^[1].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Based on small individual numbers found in canopy samples, colonies are likely small.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, queen measurements have not been documented in available literature.
  • Worker: 2.5-2.9mm total length ^[1]
  • Colony: Likely under 100 workers based on small individual numbers found in canopy samples ^[1]
  • Growth: Moderate, inferred from small colony sizes typical of arboreal species
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature based on typical Myrmicinae development patterns (Development timeline is not directly studied, this is an estimate based on related species in the genus)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm and stable, roughly 24-28°C, these are tropical rainforest canopy ants that need warm conditions. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create the gradient they prefer.
  • Humidity: High humidity is essential, rainforest canopy species need 70-85% humidity. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the outworld regularly and provide a water source.
  • Diapause: No diapause required, as a tropical species from equatorial Africa, they do not experience cold winters. Keep them warm year-round.
  • Nesting: These tiny arboreal ants prefer tight chambers scaled to their small size. A Y-tong (AAC) nest or test tube setup with narrow passages works well. Provide climbing structures in the outworld since they naturally live in trees.
• Behavior: This is a calm, non-aggressive species that is not known to sting. They are arboreal foragers, likely hunting small prey in the tree canopy. Their small size (under 3mm) means excellent escape prevention is critical, they can squeeze through tiny gaps. They are relatively inactive compared to ground-nesting species.
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their very small size, use fine mesh and tight-fitting lids, high humidity requirements can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, small colony sizes mean slow population growth, patience is required, arboreal nature means they need climbing structures and vertical space in the outworld, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that kill them in captivity

Housing and Nest Setup

Nesomyrmex evelynae requires a setup that reflects their arboreal canopy-dwelling lifestyle. These tiny ants are best kept in test tubes for founding colonies or small Y-tong (AAC) nests with chambers scaled to their minute size. The nest should have tight passages, these ants are only 2.5-2.9mm and can escape through remarkably small gaps. Use fine mesh on any ventilation holes and ensure all connections are secure.

In the outworld, provide climbing structures since they naturally forage in trees. Small branches, cork, or artificial plants give them paths to explore. A water test tube should always be available. Because they come from humid rainforest canopies, they need more moisture than typical ground-nesting ants, consider a hydration system that maintains consistent dampness in the nest material. ^[1]

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical rainforest species from equatorial Africa, Nesomyrmex evelynae needs warm and humid conditions year-round. Keep the nest at 24-28°C, this is warmer than most temperate ant species require. A small heating cable placed on one side of the nest can create a gentle temperature gradient that allows the ants to regulate their own conditions.

Humidity is particularly important. These canopy ants are not adapted to dry conditions. Aim for 70-85% humidity in the nest area. The substrate should feel consistently moist but never waterlogged. You can achieve this by keeping the water reservoir of your test tube or nest adequately filled and misting the outworld regularly. However, balance this with adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Based on typical Myrmicinae feeding patterns and their small size, these ants are likely omnivorous with a preference for small protein sources. Offer small live prey such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworms. They will likely accept sugar water or honey as an energy source, though arboreal ants often rely more on honeydew and small insects than on nectar.

Feed small amounts every 2-3 days, removing any uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. Because colonies are likely small (probably under 100 workers), overfeeding is a common mistake that leads to mold problems. Start with very small portions and adjust based on how quickly the colony consumes them.

Colony Development and Growth

Nesomyrmex evelynae appears to form small colonies based on canopy fogging samples that consistently found only small numbers of individuals ^[1]. This suggests slower colony growth compared to ground-nesting species that can reach thousands of workers. Expect your colony to remain modest in size, likely under 100 workers even at maturity.

The development timeline is not directly documented, but based on typical Myrmicinae patterns, expect 6-8 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature. Nanitics (first workers) will be smaller than mature workers. Growth will be gradual, so patience is essential, these are not fast-growing ants that will quickly fill a formicarium.

Behavior and Temperament

This is a calm, non-aggressive species that poses no threat to keepers. They are not known to sting and are generally docile. Their arboreal nature means they are more comfortable climbing than walking on flat surfaces, this is reflected in their preference for vertical space in the outworld.

The most important practical consideration is escape prevention. At only 2.5-2.9mm, these ants can squeeze through unbelievably small gaps. Standard ant farm barriers may not work, use fluon on barrier rims and ensure all lids fit tightly. Even a tiny crack in a connection will likely result in an escape. Check your setup daily and seal any potential escape routes immediately. ^[1]

Seasonal Care

Unlike temperate ant species, Nesomyrmex evelynae does not require hibernation or winter dormancy. They come from equatorial Africa where temperatures remain warm year-round. Keep them at their preferred temperature range (24-28°C) consistently throughout the year.

There is no documented nuptial flight season for this species, but being from equatorial regions, they may produce reproductives sporadically rather than during specific seasonal windows. If your colony produces alates (reproductives), provide appropriate space and conditions for them to develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References