Zasphinctus ndouri

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Only known from Niokolo Koba National Park in southeastern Senegal, collected from tropical savanna habitat using Winkler extraction ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Unknown, no colony structure data exists. Dorylinae species typically have single-queen colonies, but this is unconfirmed for Z. ndouri.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Undescribed, queen caste not yet documented ^[1].
  • Worker: Not documented. Workers are very small (see detailed morphology section) ^[1].
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data ^[1].
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unconfirmed (No development data exists. Dorylinae ants typically have relatively fast development, but specific timelines are unknown for Z. ndouri.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Inferred: Keep warm in the 24-28°C range based on tropical savanna origin. Adjust based on colony activity.
  • Humidity: Inferred: Moderate humidity, roughly 50-70%, based on savanna habitat. Provide a moisture gradient so ants can choose.
  • Diapause: Unlikely, tropical species from Senegal probably does not require diapause, but this is unconfirmed.
  • Nesting: Inferred: Based on collection from leaf litter (Winkler extraction), they likely nest in soil or decaying wood. Use small test tube setups or small Y-tong/plaster nests with narrow chambers. Avoid large open spaces.
• Behavior: Unknown, no behavioral observations published. Dorylinae ants are typically predatory and nomadic, but specific behavior is unconfirmed. Their tiny size requires excellent escape prevention, they can squeeze through very small gaps.
• Common Issues: no captive husbandry data exists, you'll be pioneering care for this species, tiny size makes escape likely without fine mesh barriers and tight lids, unknown dietary requirements, must be determined through careful experimentation, difficulty obtaining queens, only known from one location in Senegal, no established breeding stock in the antkeeping hobby

Discovery and Taxonomy

Zasphinctus ndouri was only described in 2025,making it one of the most recently discovered ant species ^[1]. It was found in Niokolo Koba National Park in southeastern Senegal. The species epithet 'ndouri' honors Senegalese singer and activist Youssou N'Dour ^[1]. Only workers are known, the queen caste has not been discovered. The type series was collected in April 2018 using Winkler extraction, which sifts leaf litter to extract tiny invertebrates ^[1].

Identification and Morphology

Workers of Z. ndouri are very small, with a head length of 0.73-0.77 mm and a mesosomal length of 0.98-1.05 mm ^[1]. They belong to the Z. sarowiwai group. The head is relatively thick, and the body is almost completely smooth and very shiny with scattered piliferous foveae ^[1]. The petiolar tergum is relatively thick, about 1.2 times broader than long in dorsal view. Abdominal segment VI is moderately sized, around 1.7-1.8 times broader than long ^[1]. These minute ants require careful handling and good magnification to examine properly.

Housing and Nest Setup

Since this species has never been kept, housing is based on inference from related Dorylinae and collection data. The Winkler collection method suggests they live in leaf litter and soil. A small test tube setup or a small Y-tong/plaster nest with narrow chambers would be appropriate starting points ^[1]. Given their tiny size, chambers and passages must be very small. Use tight-fitting lids and fine mesh for escape prevention, as these ants can squeeze through microscopic gaps.

Feeding and Diet

The natural diet of Z. ndouri is completely unstudied. As a Dorylinae ant, it is likely predatory on small invertebrates ^[1]. Start by offering small live prey like springtails, fruit flies, and other tiny arthropods. Sugar sources may or may not be accepted, offer honey or sugar water occasionally but do not rely on it as a primary food source. Because of their minute size, prey items must be appropriately scaled. Monitor feeding behavior carefully and adjust based on what the colony accepts.

Temperature and Humidity

This species comes from tropical savanna in Senegal, suggesting they prefer warm conditions with moderate humidity. Aim for temperatures in the 24-28°C range, which matches their West African habitat. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create a gradient. For humidity, start with moderate levels around 50-70% and observe colony behavior. Provide a moisture gradient so ants can self-regulate. The key is stability, avoid sudden changes. This tropical species likely does not require hibernation or diapause ^[1].

Expert Keeper Notes

This is an extremely challenging species to keep because: it is only known from a single location in Senegal, almost nothing is known about its biology, colony structure, or care requirements, and its tiny size makes housing, feeding, and observation difficult. You will essentially be pioneering the husbandry of this species. Meticulous record-keeping is essential, document everything: which foods are accepted, temperature preferences, humidity ranges, and any behaviors observed. This species should only be attempted by very experienced antkeepers willing to experiment and potentially lose colonies while learning ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References