Centromyrmex secutor

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: West Africa, Gabon, Ivory Coast, and Liberia. Found in forested habitats at La Makandé in the Forêt des Abeilles ^[1][2][3].
• Colony Type: Unknown, colony structure has not been documented. Only worker caste known.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, queen has not been described ^[1]
  • Worker: 4.5-7.3 mm (polymorphic) ^[1][2]
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, development has not been studied (No direct data available. Ponerine ants typically require 6-12 weeks for development at optimal temperatures.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unknown for this species. Based on related West African ponerines, aim for 24-28°C with a gradient allowing workers to self-regulate.
  • Humidity: Unknown. Forest-dwelling West African ants typically prefer 70-85% humidity. Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no seasonal data available. West African species may not require true hibernation but may have reduced activity periods.
  • Nesting: Unknown, natural nesting behavior not documented. Related species often nest in rotting wood or soil. A naturalistic setup with moist substrate and narrow chambers would be appropriate to start.
• Behavior: Not documented. As a Ponerine ant, they have a functional sting and may be defensive when disturbed. Escape prevention should be excellent given their moderate size. Based on genus patterns, they are likely predatory on small invertebrates.
• Common Issues: colony establishment is extremely difficult, no founding or colony data exists for this species, queen remains unknown, making captive breeding from wild-caught queens impossible at this time, temperature and humidity requirements are unconfirmed, experimental setup required, diet preferences are unknown, must be determined through trial and error, wild-caught colonies may have parasites or diseases with no documented treatment

Species Overview and Identification

Centromyrmex secutor is a ponerine ant discovered in 2008. Workers show significant size polymorphism, ranging from 4.5mm in the smallest workers to 7.3mm in the largest ^[1]. This polymorphism is similar to its close relative C. bequaerti. The most distinctive morphological features include the hypertrophied metapleural gland bulla that extends anterodorsally to the base of the propodeal spiracle, and the reduced spination on the legs, notably lacking the stout spiniform setae found on related species ^[1][2]. The mandibles have 4 teeth in smallest workers and 5 in larger workers. The petiole shape also varies with worker size, being higher than long in large workers but longer than high in smaller workers ^[1]. This species is known only from worker castes, the queen and male remain undescribed.

Distribution and Habitat

Centromyrmex secutor is known from three West African countries: Gabon, Ivory Coast, and Liberia ^[3]. The type locality is La Makandé in the Forêt des Abeilles (Forest of the Bees) in Gabon, collected in January-February 1999 ^[1]. The specific habitat requirements are not documented, but the Forêt des Abeilles is a forested region in Gabon. Based on the genus preferences, these ants likely inhabit damp forest floor environments, potentially in rotting wood or under leaf litter. The limited distribution data suggests this species may have specific habitat requirements or may be overlooked due to its cryptic habits.

Housing and Nesting

Since nothing is known about the natural nesting behavior of C. secutor, you will need to experiment with different setups. Based on related Centromyrmex species and other West African ponerines, a naturalistic setup with moist substrate would be a reasonable starting point. Provide rotting wood pieces or cork bark as potential nest sites. The setup should allow for good humidity retention while preventing mold. Use a test tube setup for initial colony housing if you obtain workers, with a water reservoir to maintain humidity. Ensure excellent escape prevention, while not tiny, these ants can still squeeze through small gaps. A layer of fluon on container edges is recommended.

Feeding and Diet

The diet of Centromyrmex secutor has not been documented. As a ponerine ant, it likely predates on small invertebrates such as springtails, mites, and tiny insects. Centromyrmex species are known to be predators, and some related genera in the Ponerini tribe are specialized predators. Offer small live prey like springtails, fruit flies, and tiny crickets. Sugar sources may be accepted but this is uncertain, offer honey water or sugar water occasionally but do not rely on it as a primary food source. Given the lack of data, you will need to experiment to determine accepted foods. Start with live prey and observe feeding behavior.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

No specific temperature data exists for this species. Based on its West African distribution (Gabon, Ivory Coast, Liberia), it likely prefers warm, stable temperatures in the range of 24-28°C. Provide a temperature gradient so workers can self-regulate by moving between warmer and cooler areas. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create this gradient. Regarding seasonal patterns, West African species may not experience true hibernation but could have periods of reduced activity. Monitor your colony, if workers become less active, reduce feeding and slightly lower temperatures, but maintain basic humidity. Do not allow temperatures to drop below 20°C unless the colony shows clear signs of dormancy.

Behavior and Temperament

The behavior of C. secutor has not been studied in detail. As a Ponerine ant, it possesses a functional sting and should be handled with caution. Ponerine ants are typically more defensive than many formicine or myrmicine species, and may sting when threatened. Workers are moderately sized at 4.5-7.3mm, so escape prevention should be taken seriously. The polymorphic worker caste suggests division of labor, larger workers may handle different tasks than smaller ones, similar to what is seen in related species. Do not disturb colonies unnecessarily, and use red film or darkness during observation to minimize stress. ^[1][2]

Challenges and Limitations

Keeping Centromyrmex secutor presents extreme challenges due to the complete lack of biological data. The queen has never been described, meaning you cannot establish a colony from a wild-caught queen, only established colonies with workers could potentially be kept, and such colonies have never been documented in captivity. If you obtain workers, expect a difficult establishment phase with experimental care. There is no information on acceptable foods, temperature preferences, humidity requirements, or colony structure. You will essentially be pioneering all aspects of their care. Document your observations carefully as any successful husbandry would represent new knowledge for this species. Consider whether other, better-documented species might be more appropriate for your collection. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

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References