Cladomyrma hobbyi

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia) and Indonesia, found in tropical rainforests from lowlands up to about 1370 m in moss forest ^[1][2]
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed, this poorly studied tropical plant-ant has no documented colony observations.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, only partial measurements (mesosomal length 1.84-2.16 mm) are recorded, total length data unavailable ^[1]
  • Worker: Unknown, only partial measurements (mesosomal length 0.57-1.08 mm) are recorded, total length data unavailable ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, based on related tropical Formicinae, likely 4-8 weeks at optimal warm temperatures, but this is unconfirmed (No direct development data exists for this species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Likely needs warm, stable conditions around 24-28°C based on tropical rainforest origin, no direct data, so start here and observe colony behavior
  • Humidity: High humidity required, these rainforest plant-ants need consistently moist but not waterlogged substrate, with good ventilation to prevent mold
  • Diapause: Unlikely, being a tropical species, they probably do not need winter dormancy. Seasonal slowdowns may occur during cooler or drier periods
  • Nesting: This species lives on plants (plant-ant), not in ground nests. A naturalistic setup with live or artificial plants would be most appropriate. Small test tubes may work for founding, but they will eventually need access to plant-like cavities. Y-tong or plaster nests with added plant material might work.
• Behavior: Cladomyrma hobbyi is a plant-ant that lives on host plants. Workers are extremely small, escape prevention is critical as they can slip through the tiniest gaps. Temperament is unknown, but plant-ants are typically defensive of their host plants. They are not likely to be dangerous to humans, as their minute size makes effective stinging or biting very unlikely.
• Common Issues: extremely small size makes escape prevention very difficult, use fine mesh barriers (0.5 mm or tighter)., no established captive care, expect a steep learning curve and likely colony loss., host plant requirements are unclear, may not adapt to artificial setups., high humidity needs can cause mold problems if ventilation is poor., wild-caught colonies may fail due to stress and lack of appropriate plant housing.

Understanding Cladomyrma Hobbyi as a Plant-Ant

Cladomyrma hobbyi is a specialized plant-ant, living closely with specific host plants instead of nesting in soil or wood. Research has documented this species on two plant types: the woody liana Spatholobus oblongifolius (legume family) and the understory tree Drypetes longifolia ^[1]. The ants likely live inside hollow stems or plant cavities, feeding on honeydew produced by the plant or scale insects. It’s a mutualistic relationship, plants get protection from herbivores, ants get food and shelter. In captivity, replicating this plant-based lifestyle is essential but tough. You could try bamboo sections, artificial vines, or other structures that mimic natural plant cavities.

Housing and Nest Setup

Because C. hobbyi is a plant-ant, standard ground-nesting setups (like regular test tubes) probably won't work long-term. For founding colonies, a small test tube can serve as a temporary home, especially if it’s humid and the queen can seal herself in. For established colonies, aim for a naturalistic setup: small bamboo sections, artificial vines, or a container with plant material. The enclosure must be escape-proof, workers are extremely small, so use fine mesh (0.5 mm or tighter). Provide a water source (a test tube with cotton or a small cotton ball) and ensure the setup has both humid and well-ventilated areas.

Feeding and Nutrition

As a plant-ant, C. hobbyi likely feeds mainly on honeydew and nectar in the wild, plus small insects. In captivity, offer sugar water or diluted honey constantly as an energy source. For protein, give tiny live prey like springtails, fruit flies, or other very small insects. Standard ant feeders like mealworms are too large, focus on the smallest prey you can get. It’s unknown how well they accept artificial sugar sources, so offer both sugar and live prey and watch what they take. Remove uneaten food quickly to avoid mold in the humid environment.

Temperature and Humidity Management

Tropical rainforest ants from Borneo need warm, humid conditions. Aim for temperatures around 24-28°C. A small heating mat on one side of the enclosure can help, but always provide a temperature gradient so the ants can move to cooler spots if needed. Humidity should be high, think damp forest conditions. Keep the nesting material consistently moist but not waterlogged. Poor ventilation combined with high humidity invites mold, which can kill the colony. Use adequate ventilation (a fine mesh panel or small holes) while maintaining moisture.

Challenges and Experimental Care

Honestly, Cladomyrma hobbyi has never been successfully kept in captivity as far as is known. There is no standard care protocol, no documented captive breeding, and very little scientific data. Everything above is inferred from their natural habitat and related ant biology. That makes this an experimental species for expert antkeepers only. If you get a colony (likely wild-caught), expect a learning process. Watch colony behavior closely: active foraging means conditions are likely okay, sluggish or dying workers mean something is wrong, adjust temperature, humidity, or feeding. The biggest risks are escape (tiny size), mold (humidity balance), and stress from captivity preventing colony growth. Success would be a real achievement and would help the antkeeping community understand this species.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References