Chelaner
Ant genus · 52 species · 5 countries
- Genus
- Chelaner
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Solenopsidini
- Distribution
- Found in 5 countries
- Colony form
- polygynous, monogynous, optionally polygynous
- Nuptial flight
- Mar, Apr
- Species count
- 52 species
About Chelaner
Chelaner is a genus within the family Formicidae , classified in the subfamily Myrmicinae (tribe Solenopsidini) . AntScout currently documents 52 species in this genus, distributed across 5 countries , including Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea.
Species in this genus exhibit polygynous and monogynous and optionally polygynous colony structures. Monogynous colonies have a single reproductive queen, making them straightforward to start from a single founding queen - ideal for beginner ant keepers. Polygynous colonies can host multiple queens, allowing for rapid colony growth.
Nuptial flights of Chelaner species have been recorded during: Mar, Apr. These flights are when new queens and males leave the nest to mate - the best time to find a founding queen in the wild.
Where Chelaner Is Found
Species in this genus are documented in 5 countries:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species does Chelaner have?
The genus Chelaner includes 52 species documented on AntScout, spread across 5 countries. All documented species are extant (living).
Where do Chelaner ants live?
Chelaner species are found in 5 countries , including Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea. Distribution varies by species - check individual species pages for precise range maps.
When do Chelaner ants have their nuptial flight?
Nuptial flights of Chelaner species have been observed in Mar, Apr. This is the best time to find a founding queen in the wild. Use the AntScout flight calendar for species-specific predictions.
Can I buy Chelaner ants?
Chelaner ants may be available from ant dealers depending on your region. Some species are popular in the hobby and regularly sold as founding queens or small colonies. Check local antkeeping communities or specialty shops in your country.
Are Chelaner ants good for beginners?
This depends on the specific species. Some Chelaner species are beginner-friendly with straightforward care requirements, while others may need specific conditions. Browse the individual species profiles below for care difficulty and requirements.
All Chelaner Species (52)
Click a species to view its full profile, including distribution map, care information, nuptial flight calendar, and identification photos.
- Chelaner albipes 1 country
- Chelaner antarcticus Southern Ant 1 country polygynous
- Chelaner anthracinus 1 country
- Chelaner aper 1 country
- Chelaner bicornis 1 country
- Chelaner bifidus 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner bihamatus 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner brachythrix 1 country
- Chelaner burchera monogynous
- Chelaner capito
- Chelaner centralis 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner crinitus 1 country
- Chelaner croceiventre
- Chelaner decuria 1 country
- Chelaner draculai 1 country
- Chelaner durokoppinensis
- Chelaner edentatus
- Chelaner elegantulus 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner euryodon 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner falcatus 1 country
- Chelaner flavoniger 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner forcipatus 1 country
- Chelaner gilberti 2 countries monogynous
- Chelaner insolescens 1 country
- Chelaner kiliani Mono Ant 1 country
- Chelaner lacunosus 1 country
- Chelaner leae 1 country monogynouspolygynousoptionally polygynous
- Chelaner legulus 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner longiceps 1 country
- Chelaner longinodis 1 country
- Chelaner longipes 1 country
- Chelaner macarthuri monogynous
- Chelaner majeri 1 country
- Chelaner melleus
- Chelaner nightcapensis monogynous
- Chelaner nigriceps 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner parantarcticus 1 country
- Chelaner petiolatus 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner pubescens 1 country
- Chelaner punctulatus 1 country
- Chelaner ravenshoensis 1 country
- Chelaner rubriceps 2 countries monogynous
- Chelaner rufoniger 1 country
- Chelaner sculpturatus 1 country
- Chelaner shattucki 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner smithii 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner striatifrons 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner sublamellatus
- Chelaner tambourinensis 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner tricolor
- Chelaner whitei 1 country monogynous
- Chelaner xantheklemma 1 country monogynous