Scientific illustration of Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi

Non-Parasitic Queen Não Gamergate
Nome científico
Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi
Tribo
Plagiolepidini
Subfamília
Formicinae
Autor
Phosrithong & Jaitrong, 2024
Distribuição
Encontrada em 0 países

Introdução

Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi is a small ant species discovered in the highlands of Laos. Workers measure 2.41-2.44 mm in total length, with a dark brown body and reddish-brown highlights on the head and mesosoma . They can be identified by fine striations on the head dorsum, dense short suberect setae, and a smooth, shiny mesosomal dorsum . This species inhabits highland areas around 1000 meters elevation, often in coffee plantations, suggesting a preference for moderate temperatures and soil nesting . As a newly described species from 2024,captive care requirements are unconfirmed, making it a challenge for experienced keepers.

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Status por país, desde Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Nativa Invasiva Introduzida (Ambiente urbano/interno) Interceptada Desconhecido
Fontes de dados
Intervalo de anos 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Expert
  • Origin & Habitat: Highland Laos (Champasak Province, ~1000m elevation) in coffee plantations [1][2].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, colony structure has not been documented. Most Plagiolepis species are single-queen colonies, but this species has not been studied.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, queen has not been described [1][2]
    • Worker: ~2.4-2.4 mm total length [1][2]
    • Colony: Unknown, only three specimens have ever been collected [1][2]
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unknown, no development data exists for this species (Based on typical Plagiolepis patterns, development may take 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature, but this is an estimate only.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Inferred from habitat: Keep around 22-26°C. Highland origin suggests warm but not hot conditions, avoid temperatures above 30°C [1][2].
    • Humidity: Inferred from habitat: Moderate humidity, keep nest substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged [1][2].
    • Diapause: Unknown, no data on overwintering requirements.
    • Nesting: Inferred from collection data: They were found on the ground in coffee plantations, suggesting soil or under ground cover nesting. Use small chambers for their tiny size [1][2].
  • Behavior: Behavior is unstudied. Based on typical Plagiolepis patterns, they are likely docile and non-aggressive. Their tiny size (under 3mm) makes escape prevention critical, use fine mesh barriers and tight-fitting lids.
  • Common Issues: newly described species means no established care guidelines, you are pioneering captive husbandry., tiny size makes escape prevention critical, they can squeeze through standard barrier gaps., no colony size data means you won't know what to expect as your colony grows., queen and founding behavior unknown, you may need to experiment to find what works., slow growth and lack of data may frustrate keepers expecting quick results.

Species Discovery and Rarity

Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi is rare, only three workers have been collected, all from Laos [1][2]. The species was described in 2024,so no established care guides exist. You will be pioneering captive husbandry. The type locality is a coffee plantation at Tad Fane Waterfall in Champasak Province, suggesting adaptation to highland agricultural areas [1][2].

Appearance and Identification

Workers are 2.41-2.44 mm total length, with a dark brown body and reddish-brown highlights [1][2]. Key identifying features include fine striations on the head dorsum, dense short suberect setae, and a smooth, shiny mesosomal dorsum [1][2]. These traits separate them from similar Plagiolepis species.

Housing and Nest Setup

Start with test tubes for founding colonies or Y-tong/plaster nests for established ones. Their tiny size requires small chambers and passages. The highland habitat suggests moderate temperatures (22-26°C) and moderate humidity [1][2]. Escape prevention is critical due to their small size, use fine mesh barriers.

Feeding and Diet

Diet preferences are unstudied, but Plagiolepis species typically feed on honeydew, small insects, and nectar. Offer sugar water constantly and protein sources like fruit flies or pinhead crickets 2-3 times per week. Prey must be appropriately sized for their tiny size.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Based on highland origin, keep temperatures around 22-26°C and avoid above 30°C [1][2]. Diapause is unknown, if colony activity reduces in winter, provide a slight temperature drop to 18-20°C and reduce feeding.

Challenges and Expectations

This species is for experienced keepers who enjoy experimentation. No care protocols exist, and colonies may grow slowly or fail. Keep detailed notes on your attempts to contribute to future guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi ants?

No established care protocol exists. Start with test tubes for founding or Y-tong/plaster nests for established colonies. Keep at 22-26°C with moderate humidity [1][2]. Feed sugar water constantly and small protein sources 2-3 times weekly. Escape prevention is critical due to their tiny size [1][2].

What do Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi eat?

Diet is unstudied, but based on typical Plagiolepis behavior, they likely accept honeydew, sugar water, and small insects. Offer honey water or sugar water as a constant energy source and protein like fruit flies or mealworm pieces.

How long does it take for Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi to develop from egg to worker?

Unknown, no development data exists. Based on typical Plagiolepis patterns, expect 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature, but this is an estimate.

Are Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi good for beginners?

No, this is an expert-level species due to lack of established care information and rarity. Only three specimens have been collected [1][2].

What temperature do Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi need?

Based on highland habitat, aim for 22-26°C and avoid above 30°C [1][2]. A gentle heat gradient allows workers to choose their preferred temperature.

Do Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi need hibernation?

Unknown, no data on overwintering. Highland origin suggests tolerance for cooler temperatures. If activity reduces in winter, provide a slight temperature drop to 18-20°C and reduce feeding.

How big do Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi colonies get?

Unknown, colony size has not been documented. Only three workers have been collected [1][2]. Based on typical Plagiolepis patterns, colonies may reach a few hundred workers, but this is an estimate.

Can I keep multiple Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi queens together?

Unknown, colony structure has not been studied. Most Plagiolepis are single-queen colonies, but this is unconfirmed for P. chomphuphuangi. Do not combine unrelated queens until more is known.

Where is Plagiolepis chomphuphuangi found?

This species is only known from Champasak Province, Laos, at approximately 1000 meters elevation in coffee plantations [1][2].

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The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please , 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

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Este guia de cuidados está sob a licença CC BY-SA 4.0 .