Myrmecina spinosa

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Borneo region (Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia), lowland dipterocarp rainforest, living in soil and leaf litter ^[1][2]
• Colony Type: Colony type is unconfirmed for this species. Based on typical Myrmecina genus patterns, single-queen colonies are likely.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, queen measurements have not been documented in published literature.
  • Worker: 2.7-4.2mm total length ^[1]
  • Colony: Likely small colonies, estimated a few hundred workers maximum based on genus patterns
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: 6-10 weeks (estimated based on Myrmicinae patterns) (Development time is estimated, no specific study exists for this species. Tropical species typically develop faster than temperate ones.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C, they come from tropical lowland rainforest so need warmth ^[2]
  • Humidity: High humidity (70-85%), these ants live in damp forest floor litter. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: No, being a tropical species from near the equator, they do not require hibernation. Keep temperatures stable year-round.
  • Nesting: Naturalistic setup with moist soil or a Y-tong/plaster nest with a soil chamber works well. They nest in soil and leaf litter in the wild, so they need access to damp substrate.
• Behavior: These are very small, docile ants that are not aggressive. They forage quietly in the leaf litter layer, likely feeding on small insects and honeydew from aphids or scale insects. Because of their tiny size, escape prevention is critical, they can squeeze through the smallest gaps. They are not known to sting and would be unable to penetrate human skin even if they tried. Workers are slow-moving and secretive, preferring to stay hidden in the nest or under cover.
• Common Issues: tiny size means escapes are likely without fine mesh barriers., high humidity requirements can lead to mold if ventilation is poor., slow growth may frustrate beginners expecting quick results., wild-caught colonies may have parasites that are difficult to detect., they are very small and can easily drown in water sources, ensure any water setup is designed for ants to drink without falling in.

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmecina spinosa is a soil-dwelling ant that needs access to damp substrate. A naturalistic setup with a layer of moist soil (about 2-3cm deep) works best, or you can use a Y-tong/plaster nest with a soil chamber attached. The key is keeping the substrate consistently moist, think damp forest floor, not soggy swamp. Add some leaf litter or small pieces of bark on top to give them cover, since these ants prefer to stay hidden. Because they are tiny, use a test tube with a cotton barrier for their water source, and make sure any gaps in your setup are sealed with cotton or fine mesh. A small outworld area for foraging completes the setup. ^[1][2]

Feeding and Diet

Like most Myrmecina species, these ants are likely omnivorous, feeding on small insects, honeydew, and nectar. In captivity, offer small protein sources like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworm pieces. Since they are so tiny, prey items should be appropriately sized, anything larger than themselves will be ignored. A small drop of sugar water or honey can be offered occasionally, though they may not show strong interest. Feed them small amounts 2-3 times per week, removing any uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. ^[1]

Temperature and Humidity

Being a tropical species from Borneo and Brunei, Myrmecina spinosa needs warm, humid conditions. Keep temperatures in the range of 24-28°C, room temperature may be sufficient if your home stays in this range, otherwise use a gentle heat source like a heating cable on one side of the nest. Humidity is more critical: aim for 70-85%. The substrate should feel damp to the touch but not have standing water. Mist the nest occasionally if needed, but avoid creating condensation that drips. Good ventilation helps prevent mold while maintaining humidity. ^[2]

Colony Development

This is a newly described species (2020), so specific development data is limited. Based on typical Myrmicinae patterns, expect 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature. Colonies will likely remain small, probably a few hundred workers at maximum. Growth will be slow initially as the queen raises her first few workers (nanitics), then gradually speeds up. Be patient with these ants, they are not fast growers. The queen is likely claustral, meaning she seals herself in a chamber and raises the first brood alone without foraging, this is inferred from typical Myrmicinae behavior. ^[1]

Behavior and Temperament

Myrmecina spinosa is a docile, non-aggressive species. Workers are small and slow-moving, spending much of their time hidden under leaf litter or in soil. They are not known to sting, and even if they could, their tiny size means they would be unable to penetrate human skin. The main concern for keepers is their small size, they can escape through remarkably tiny gaps. Use fine mesh on any ventilation holes, and ensure all connections between nest parts are sealed. They are not escape artists in the aggressive sense, but their size makes escape prevention essential. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

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References