Myrmecina planiclypea

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Guangxi, China, subtropical forest floor environments ^[1]
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen) based on typical Myrmecina genus patterns
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~4-5mm, inferred from Myrmecina genus patterns
  • Worker: 2.64-2.88mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Likely up to a few hundred workers, estimated from genus patterns
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on typical Myrmicinae development (Development time is estimated for this species. Small colony size suggests moderate growth rate.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 20-24°C, subtropical Guangxi location suggests moderate warmth. A gentle gradient allows workers to self-regulate.
  • Humidity: Moderate to high, forest floor dwellers prefer damp substrate. Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Likely required, subtropical origin suggests a winter rest period. Provide 2-3 months at 10-15°C.
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) nests or test tube setups work well. Their tiny size means they need tight-fitting connections and fine mesh barriers. Provide some soil or fine substrate for nesting chambers.
• Behavior: Generally docile and non-aggressive. Workers are small but active foragers, searching for small prey and sugar sources. Their tiny size makes them excellent escape artists, use fine mesh and tight-fitting barriers. They are not known to sting and pose no danger to keepers.
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their very small 2.6-2.9mm size, they can squeeze through standard mesh, slow growth compared to larger ants may frustrate beginners, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that can devastate captive populations, overheating can kill colonies quickly, avoid temperatures above 28°C, test tube setups must have properly sized cotton and water reservoirs to prevent flooding

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmecina planiclypea requires careful housing due to their tiny size. Y-tong (AAC) nests work well because you can control chamber dimensions precisely. Test tube setups are also suitable, use small diameter tubes (10-12mm) rather than standard 15mm tubes. The nest area should have fine, damp substrate like sand or soil mix. Because they are so small, standard test tube cotton can be pushed aside, use tightly packed cotton or foam stoppers. Escape prevention is critical: standard mesh has gaps too large for these ants. Use fine mesh (at least 0.5mm) or apply fluon to barrier edges. A small outworld allows for feeding and waste removal. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Myrmecina planiclypea is a generalist forager. Offer small protein sources like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworms, prey should be appropriately sized for their 2.6mm workers. Sugar water, honey, or diluted honeydew can be offered as an energy source. In the wild, they likely scavenge small insects and collect honeydew from aphids or scale insects. Feed small amounts of protein 2-3 times per week, and keep sugar water available constantly. Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Maintain temperatures around 20-24°C. Their subtropical Guangxi origin means they prefer moderate warmth rather than tropical heat. Avoid temperatures above 28°C, which can be fatal. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a temperature gradient so workers can self-regulate. Place the heating element on top of the nest, not underneath, to prevent excessive drying. During winter, provide a diapause period of 2-3 months at 10-15°C to simulate seasonal changes. Reduce feeding during diapause and keep the substrate slightly drier.

Handling and Temperament

These ants are docile and pose no danger to keepers. Workers are small and quick-moving but not aggressive. They do not have a functional stinger capable of penetrating human skin. Their tiny size means they are easily overlooked during colony inspections. When disturbed, workers may flee rather than attack. The main handling concern is preventing escapes, they can slip through remarkably small gaps. Always work over a white background to spot any escapees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References