Romblonella elysii

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Unknown
• Origin & Habitat: Solomon Islands (Makira, Guadalcanal, Three Sisters, Santa Anna) in Oceania ^[3][1]. Tropical island environment with warm, humid conditions year-round.
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, colony structure has not been documented for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Not recorded, no measurements available.
  • Worker: Not recorded, no measurements available.
  • Colony: Unknown.
  • Growth: Unknown.
  • Development: Not documented, inferred from similar small Myrmicinae, likely 6-8 weeks at warm temperatures. (Direct data absent, estimate based on genus-level patterns.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C, this tropical species comes from warm Solomon Islands ^[3]. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest to offer a gradient.
  • Humidity: High humidity. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, mimicking a damp forest floor.
  • Diapause: No, as a tropical species, they probably do not need a winter dormancy. Maintain warm temperatures year-round.
  • Nesting: Likely prefers small chambers in soil or rotting wood, based on typical Romblonella habitat. A Y-tong or naturalistic setup with moist substrate should work.
• Behavior: Behavior is poorly known. Based on the tribe (Crematogastrini), they have a modified stinger that smears venom rather than piercing, so caution with handling is wise. They are likely moderate foragers. Escape prevention is critical due to their small size.
• Common Issues: very limited care information available, making husbandry uncertain, small size increases escape risk, ensure tight sealing, humidity must be consistently high to prevent desiccation, temperature drops below 22°C may stress the colony

Origin and Distribution

Romblonella elysii is endemic to the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific ^[3]. It was first collected and described in 1919 from Three Sisters and Santa Anna islands ^[1]. Later surveys also recorded it from Makira and Guadalcanal ^[3]. This suggests the species is restricted to specific islands. The Solomon Islands have a tropical climate with high year-round temperatures and humidity, conditions you should try to mimic in captivity.

Identification and Appearance

Workers are concolorous yellow, the whole body is a uniform yellow without markings ^[2]. They have propodeal spines that diverge along their entire length, a key feature ^[2]. The species was originally depicted in Mann’s 1919 figure (fig. 29) ^[1]. Queens and males have not been described in detail, but queens likely follow typical Myrmicinae morphology, larger than workers.

Temperature Requirements

Since Romblonella elysii comes from the tropical Solomon Islands ^[3], it needs warmth, keep the nest at 24-28°C. Place a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a gentle temperature gradient so the ants can choose their preferred spot. Avoid letting temperatures drop below 22°C for long periods, as this may stress the colony. Unlike temperate ants, they do not need a winter diapause, keep them warm all year.

Humidity Requirements

The Solomon Islands are humid, so this species likely needs high humidity in captivity. Keep the nesting substrate consistently damp (but not waterlogged) to create a moist microclimate. A water reservoir connected to the nest, like in a test tube setup, can help maintain humidity. Mist the outworld occasionally, but make sure there is good ventilation to prevent mold. Aim for conditions that feel like a damp forest floor.

Feeding and Diet

No specific dietary data exists for this species, but based on typical Myrmicinae behavior, they likely hunt small insects and collect honeydew. Offer a variety: small live prey like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworms. Provide sugar water or diluted honey regularly. Feed protein prey 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Nesting Preferences

Natural nesting sites for Romblonella elysii are unknown, but species in the genus are usually found in soil or rotten wood. For captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or naturalistic setup with moist soil and hiding spots (flat stones, bark) should work. Make sure nest chambers are small, tight spaces help these ants feel secure. Include an outworld with foraging space and room for expansion as the colony grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References