Vollenhovia elysii

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Hard
• Origin & Habitat: Solomon Islands (Makira, Guadalcanal, Three Sisters), tropical rainforest with high humidity and stable warmth year‑round ^[1][2]
• Colony Type: Likely single‑queen (monogyne) based on typical genus patterns, not confirmed by direct observation.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 4-5 mm, inferred from genus Vollenhovia morphology, no direct measurements available.
  • Worker: Estimated 2-3 mm, inferred from genus Vollenhovia morphology, no direct measurements available.
  • Colony: Unknown, likely up to a few hundred workers at maturity, based on typical genus colony sizes.
  • Growth: Moderate, inferred from similar tropical Myrmicinae.
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at 25-28 °C, based on related tropical myrmicines. (Time may vary with temperature. This species has not been directly studied.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: 24-28 °C year‑round, keep warm and stable. A gentle gradient (e.g., a heating cable on one side) can help. Avoid drops below 24 °C.
  • Humidity: High humidity, keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. These ants come from a humid rainforest, dry conditions can be fatal.
  • Diapause: No, tropical species, no hibernation needed. Maintain constant warm temperatures.
  • Nesting: Likely nests in rotting wood, leaf litter, or damp soil in the wild. For captivity, a test tube with a water reservoir works for founding, established colonies do well in Y‑tong (AAC) nests or small dirt setups. Provide tight spaces matched to their tiny size.
• Behavior: Small, cryptic ants with a peaceful temperament. They probably forage singly or in small groups for tiny prey and honeydew. Escape prevention is critical, workers can squeeze through any gap larger than 0.5 mm. Use fine mesh or tight seals. Defense: like other Crematogastrini, they use a smearing venom rather than stinging.
• Common Issues: escape is very likely due to tiny size, seal all openings with mesh or barrier, high humidity can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, balance moisture with airflow, temperature below 24 °C can stop brood development and cause colony decline, poorly studied, many care details are inferred, so adjustments based on observation are needed

Temperature and Care

Vollenhovia elysii needs warm, steady temperatures typical of tropical ants. Keep the nest area at 24-28 °C year‑round. A small heating cable on one side creates a gradient so the ants can regulate their exposure. Avoid direct heating on the nest, it can dry out the colony. If room temperature stays in the low‑to‑mid 20s °C, monitor activity: sluggish workers mean it's too cold. Unlike temperate species, no cooling or winter rest is needed, maintain consistent warmth throughout the year.

Humidity and Water

High humidity is essential for this Solomon Islands ant. Keep the nest substrate damp (like a moist forest floor) but not waterlogged. Check daily and refill the test‑tube reservoir or mist the nest when the surface starts drying. Providing a moisture gradient, one area slightly damp, another more saturated, lets the ants choose their preferred spot. Good ventilation prevents stale air and mold, but avoid strong drafts that dry the nest too quickly.

Feeding and Diet

Like most small Myrmicinae, V. elysii likely feeds on tiny insects, honeydew, and nectar. In culture, offer small live prey such as fruit flies, springtails, or pinhead crickets. Prey must be appropriately scaled to the workers' tiny size. Provide a constant sugar source (sugar water or diluted honey) in a shallow dish, replacing it every 2-3 days to prevent fermentation. Feed protein 2-3 times a week, adjusting based on consumption. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to avoid mold.

Nesting and Housing

In the wild, these ants probably nest in rotting wood, under bark, or in moist soil within the rainforest understory. For captive colonies, a test tube with a water reservoir works well during founding, the queen often seals off the chamber with eggs later. Established colonies can use a small Y‑tong (AAC) nest or a naturalistic dirt setup. Keep chambers tight, these tiny ants feel secure in small spaces. Avoid tall, open formicaria. Escape prevention is vital: use fine mesh screens on vents and ensure all joints are sealed.

Colony Development

Colony growth is expected to be moderate. The queen lays eggs in the founding chamber, and the first workers (nanitics) emerge after an estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperatures. These early workers are smaller than mature ones. Colonies likely take several months to reach 50 workers and a year or more to hit a few hundred. Be patient, disturb the queen as little as possible during founding. Consistent warmth and humidity are the keys to success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please report here, it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References