Dilobocondyla bangalorica

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: India, specifically Karnataka and Kerala, nesting in cavities of living Plumeria trees in tropical areas ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Monogyne, with single queen colonies ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~4.75 mm ^[1]
  • Worker: ~3.4-4.05 mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Up to 91 workers ^[1]
  • Growth: Moderate, estimated based on typical Myrmicinae patterns
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at warm temperatures (Development timeline is not directly documented, estimates based on related genus patterns)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, around 24-28°C, based on tropical habitat.
  • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as tree cavities have stable humidity ^[1].
  • Diapause: No, as a tropical species, winter diapause is not required.
  • Nesting: Use Y-tong or plaster nests with narrow chambers scaled to worker size. Provide some vertical space and bark-like surfaces ^[1].
• Behavior: Workers are docile and forage individually. When disturbed, they hide in crevices rather than attacking. They are moderate escape artists due to their small size ^[1].
• Common Issues: humidity control is critical for tree-dwelling ants., escape prevention matters due to small size., consistent warmth is needed for tropical species., wild-caught colonies may stress from relocation., limited captive breeding data may make established colonies hard to obtain.

Natural History and Nesting

Dilobocondyla bangalorica is endemic to India, found in Karnataka and Kerala ^[2]. It nests in cavities of living Plumeria trees, with nests described as shallow and wide ^[1]. Colonies are monogyne, with one queen and up to 91 workers ^[1]. Workers forage individually on tree trunks and foliage, hiding in grooves when disturbed ^[1].

Identification and Appearance

Workers measure 3.4-4.05 mm in total length, with a ferruginous head, thorax, petiole, and postpetiole, and a brownish black gaster ^[1]. They have 6 mandibular teeth, large convex eyes, and a head as long as it is broad ^[1]. Queens are larger at 4.75 mm, similar in color but darker ^[1].

Housing and Captive Care

Use Y-tong or plaster nests with chambers scaled to the 3.5-4 mm worker size. Provide vertical space and bark-like surfaces to mimic tree cavities ^[1]. Maintain warm temperatures around 24-28°C and keep substrate moist but not waterlogged. Ensure escape prevention due to small size ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Likely omnivorous, foraging on tree trunks for sugary secretions and protein ^[1]. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey constantly, and protein like small insects 1-2 times per week. Place food near the nest as they forage individually ^[1].

Colony Dynamics and Development

Wild colonies have one queen and up to 91 workers, with brood including eggs, larvae, and pupae ^[1]. Colonies are consistently monogyne ^[1]. Development timeline is estimated at 6-10 weeks from egg to worker at warm temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References