Nesomyrmex konina

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Eastern Colombia, specifically the tropical dry forest fragments in Arauca (Tame) and Cundinamarca (Medina) at 675-1043m elevation. The type locality is a forest fragment that has been recovering for over 20 years ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Unknown, only worker specimens have been collected. The colony structure (single queen vs multiple queens) has not been documented. No queen or male castes have been described in the scientific literature.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, queens have not been described yet
  • Worker: Approximately 1.6mm total body length ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, only a few workers have been collected
  • Growth: Unknown, no captive data available
  • Development: Unknown, no captive breeding observations available (Based on typical Nesomyrmex patterns and their very small size, development may be relatively rapid, but this is an estimate only)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Likely need warm conditions similar to their tropical dry forest origin. Start around 24-26°C and observe colony activity. Avoid temperatures below 20°C.
  • Humidity: Tropical dry forest suggests moderate humidity needs. Keep the nest substrate lightly moist but allow some drying between waterings. Aim for 60-80% relative humidity with a moisture gradient in the nest.
  • Diapause: Unknown, tropical species may not require true hibernation, but may slow down during cooler months
  • Nesting: Based on genus patterns, they likely prefer humid, enclosed spaces like test tubes or small nests with tight chambers. Their tiny size means they need very narrow passages and small chambers.
• Behavior: No behavioral observations have been published for this species. Based on related Nesomyrmex species, they are likely docile and not aggressive. Their tiny size makes them vulnerable and they will likely be shy. Escape prevention is critical, they can squeeze through the tiniest gaps due to their minute size.
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their extremely small size, they can slip through standard barrier gaps, no captive breeding data exists, establishing a colony may be very difficult, humidity control is challenging, too wet causes mold, too dry kills them, they may refuse captive food if not offered appropriate live prey, wild-caught colonies may have parasites or diseases that cause colony failure

Housing and Nest Setup

Because of their extremely small size, Nesomyrmex konina requires specialized housing with excellent escape prevention. Standard test tubes work well, but you must use additional barriers like fluon on the rim or fine mesh covering. The chambers should be small and tight, these tiny ants can slip through gaps that would hold back larger species. A small nest or test tube setup with a water reservoir works best. Avoid large, open spaces that may cause them to feel exposed or lost. Keep the nest humid but ensure some dry areas exist so they can self-regulate. A hydration point at one end of the nest creates a moisture gradient they can move along. ^[1][2]

Feeding and Diet

Nesomyrmex species are typically predatory, feeding on small soft-bodied arthropods in the leaf litter. In captivity, offer small live prey like springtails, fruit flies, and other tiny insects. They likely cannot tackle prey much larger than themselves. Sugar sources may be accepted, but protein from live prey is probably essential for colony growth. Start with offering small live prey twice weekly and remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent mold. Observe whether they accept sugar water or honey, some Nesomyrmex species will take it, while others focus entirely on protein.

Temperature and Heating

As a tropical species from eastern Colombia, these ants need warm conditions. Maintain temperatures between 24-28°C for optimal activity and potential brood development. Room temperature may be sufficient if your home stays in this range, otherwise use a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a gentle gradient. Never let temperatures drop below 20°C for extended periods. A temperature gradient allows the ants to choose their preferred warmth. Monitor their activity levels, if they cluster together constantly, they may need more warmth, if they seem sluggish, increase heat slightly.

Humidity Management

Tropical dry forest ants need careful humidity balance. Keep the nest substrate lightly moist but not waterlogged. The substrate should feel damp to the touch without standing water. Allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings, but never let it dry out completely. A water reservoir in a test tube setup provides gradual moisture. Mist the nest area lightly every few days, but adjust based on condensation levels, excessive moisture causes mold which can kill the colony. Good ventilation helps prevent both mold and excessive drying.

Acquiring a Colony

This is a newly described species (2025) and is not yet available in the antkeeping hobby. The only known specimens are the type series collected from leaf litter in Colombia. There are no documented captive breeding efforts. If this species becomes available, it will likely be through wild collection in Colombia, which carries significant challenges including permits, logistics, and high colony failure rates. For now, this remains a species to watch for future availability rather than one you can plan to acquire. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

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References