Myrmecina inthanonensis

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai Province) around Doi Inthanon mountain. They were collected from a highland forest environment in November 1985 ^[1]. The genus Myrmecina typically inhabits moist forest floors, often under stones or in soil ^[2].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Based on genus patterns, likely single-queen colonies, but this has not been documented for this specific species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, queen caste has not been described for this species
  • Worker: Approximately 3.4mm total length ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, likely small colonies based on genus patterns
  • Growth: Unknown, estimated moderate based on genus patterns
  • Development: Unknown, estimated 6-10 weeks based on similar tiny Myrmicinae species (No direct development data exists for this species. Estimates based on related Myrmecina species patterns.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unconfirmed, based on their Thai highland origin (Doi Inthanon reaches 2,565m), they likely prefer moderate temperatures. Start around 20-24°C and observe colony activity. Avoid high heat.
  • Humidity: Likely requires higher humidity typical of forest-floor ants. Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide a gradient from damp to slightly drier areas.
  • Diapause: Unknown, Thai highland species may have reduced activity during cooler dry season rather than true hibernation
  • Nesting: Based on genus patterns, they likely prefer naturalistic setups with soil or small chambers. A Y-tong or plaster nest with fine chambers scaled to their tiny size would work. They likely prefer to nest under objects or in tight spaces.
• Behavior: Behavior is unconfirmed for this species. Based on genus patterns, they are likely docile and non-aggressive, with slow, deliberate movement. Their tiny size means excellent escape prevention is critical, they can squeeze through extremely small gaps. They are ground-dwelling and likely forage in the nest substrate rather than climbing extensively. As Myrmicinae ants, they have a modified stinger used to smear venom onto enemies rather than pierce flesh.
• Common Issues: no biological data exists, this is a recently described species with zero captive husbandry information, escape prevention is critical due to their tiny 3.4mm size, slow growth and small colony sizes may frustrate keepers expecting rapid development, wild-caught colonies may have parasites or diseases since no captive breeding lines exist, temperature and humidity requirements are educated guesses based on genus patterns only

Species Discovery and Taxonomy

Myrmecina inthanonensis was only described in 2020 by Hirofumi Okido, Kazuo Ogata, and Hosoishi, making it one of the newest ant species in the hobby ^[1]. The type specimens were actually collected way back in November 1985 by collectors Löbl and Burckhardt, but they sat undescribed in museum collections until recent taxonomic work clarified their status ^[1]. The species name 'inthanonensis' refers to Doi Inthanon, the mountain in Chiang Mai province where they were found ^[1].

This species was distinguished from similar species like Myrmecina nigra by its distinctly large postpetiole relative to the petiole, a single median process on the anterior clypeal margin, and the mesosoma having straight and parallel rugae on the dorsal surface ^[1]. The workers have relatively large eyes for their size (0.10-0.14mm diameter with 7-8 ommatidia), which is unusual in the genus ^[1].

Housing and Nest Preferences

Since no captive husbandry data exists for this species, we must base recommendations on genus patterns and the natural habitat. Myrmecina ants are typically ground-dwelling and prefer moist forest-floor environments. They likely nest under stones, in soil, or in rotting wood ^[2].

For captivity, use a naturalistic setup with a moist soil layer or a Y-tong/plaster nest with small chambers scaled to their tiny 3.4mm size. The chambers should be tight, these are small ants that feel secure in snug spaces. Provide a moisture gradient so they can choose their preferred humidity zone. Avoid tall, open spaces that would make them feel exposed.

Because of their extremely small size, escape prevention must be excellent. Use fine mesh on any ventilation holes and ensure all connections are sealed. Even tiny gaps that would not concern larger ants will allow these tiny workers to escape.

Feeding and Diet

The diet of Myrmecina inthanonensis has not been documented, but Myrmecina species are typically generalist omnivores that feed on small insects, honeydew, and nectar ^[2]. Given their tiny size, they would need very small prey items.

In captivity, offer small live prey like springtails, fruit flies, or tiny cricket pieces. They may accept sugar sources like honey water or sugar water, though this should be offered sparingly and removed if not consumed. Feed protein roughly twice weekly, adjusting based on colony size and consumption. Remove uneaten prey to prevent mold.

Because this species has never been kept in captivity before, be prepared to experiment with food acceptance. Start with small live prey and observe what the workers actually consume.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This species comes from Doi Inthanon in northern Thailand, a highland area that experiences cooler temperatures than lowland Thailand. The type specimens were collected in November, suggesting they are active during the cooler part of the year ^[1].

Keep them at moderate temperatures, start around 20-24°C and observe colony behavior. If workers become sluggish, the temperature may be too low. If they avoid the heated areas, it may be too warm. Avoid temperatures above 28°C. Unlike temperate species, they likely do not require true hibernation, but may reduce activity during cooler periods.

Monitor your colony closely for signs of stress from temperature or humidity. Since no captive data exists, you are essentially pioneering the husbandry of this species. Keep detailed notes on what works and what doesn't.

Challenges and Considerations

This is an expert-level species for several important reasons. First, absolutely no captive husbandry information exists, everything we recommend is based on genus patterns and guesswork. You will be essentially pioneering the care of this species.

Second, their tiny 3.4mm size creates practical challenges. Escape prevention must be excellent. Feeding requires appropriately small prey items. The nest chambers must be scaled to their diminutive size.

Third, there are no established captive breeding lines. Any colonies available will be wild-caught, which carries risks of parasites, diseases, and stress from collection and transport. Expect higher mortality than established species.

Finally, colony growth will likely be slow, and colony sizes will remain small. If you want visible progress and large colonies quickly, this species will frustrate you. If you enjoy the challenge of discovering how to keep a species that has never been kept before, this could be rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References