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

Chelaner decuria

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Chelaner decuria
Tribe
Solenopsidini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Heterick, 2001
Distribution
Found in 1 countries

Introduction

Chelaner decuria is a tiny Australian ant, one of the smaller species you might encounter. Workers are light brown with a darker head and gaster, while their legs are a tawny yellow. This species is remarkable because it is the only Australian Chelaner (and formerly Monomorium) with 10-segmented antennae - all its relatives have 12 segments . The species was originally described as Monomorium decuria in 2001 by Heterick and later moved to the genus Chelaner in 2019 . This ant is found only in the south-west corner of Western Australia, where it occupies habitats ranging from wet sclerophyll forest to coastal Banksia and Dryandra scrubland . Despite its limited distribution, it is the most common member of its species group in that region. Workers forage nocturnally and move very slowly across the ground surface, making them easy to overlook. Their nest entrance is barely larger than a single worker, with no visible excavated soil around the opening .

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Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Origin & Habitat: South-west Western Australia, found in wet sclerophyll forest, coastal Banksia and Dryandra scrubland, woodlands, and urban parkland areas including Perth metropolitan region [3]
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, queen has not been described
    • Worker: ~1.4-1.8mm total length (based on HML measurements) [3]
    • Colony: Size data unavailable
    • Growth: Growth rate is unconfirmed
    • Development: Development time is unconfirmed (No specific data available for this species)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep at room temperature around 20-24°C. Western Australia has a temperate to Mediterranean climate, so they tolerate moderate temperatures.
    • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 50-60%. Their natural habitat includes wet sclerophyll forest, so they prefer some moisture but not saturated conditions.
    • Diapause: Diapause requirements are unconfirmed
    • Nesting: Use test tubes or small nests. In the wild they nest in soil with a tiny entrance hole. They prefer tight chambers scaled to their very small size.
  • Behavior: Workers are nocturnal foragers that move very slowly across the ground surface [3]. They are not aggressive and have a sting typical of Myrmicinae, though their small size makes it barely noticeable. Escape prevention is critical, at only ~1.5mm, they can squeeze through standard mesh barriers. Use fine mesh or fluon barriers.
  • Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their very small size, use fine mesh barriers, slow growth, colonies develop gradually over many months, nocturnal activity means you'll see most activity in evening and morning hours, wild-caught colonies may have parasites, quarantine and observe new colonies

Housing and Nest Setup

Chelaner decuria is a tiny ant that requires appropriately scaled housing. Test tubes work well for founding colonies, use a small water reservoir that won't flood the colony. The nest entrance in the wild is barely larger than a worker, so they do well in tight, small chambers. For established colonies, a small Y-tong or plaster nest with narrow galleries works best. Avoid large, open spaces that would overwhelm such small ants. Because of their nocturnal foraging habit, you may not see much activity during daylight hours, this is normal. Place the nest in a quiet location with stable temperatures. [3]

Feeding and Diet

Like other Monomorium and Chelaner species, these ants are omnivorous with a preference for small insects and sugar sources. Offer small prey items like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworms. They accept sugar water or honey as an energy source. Because workers are so small, prey items should be appropriately sized. Feed protein regularly and provide constant access to sugar water. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Chelaner decuria to produce first workers?

Development time is unconfirmed for this species. Based on similar small Myrmicinae, expect several months for first workers to emerge.

What do Chelaner decuria ants eat?

They are omnivorous. Offer small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworms as protein. Provide sugar water or honey constantly for energy.

Can I keep Chelaner decuria in a test tube?

Yes, test tubes work well for founding colonies. Use a small water reservoir and ensure the chamber is appropriately sized for their tiny body size. Transfer to a small formicarium once the colony reaches a moderate size.

Are Chelaner decuria good for beginners?

Yes, they are considered easy to keep. They are forgiving of minor temperature fluctuations and don't require extreme humidity. Their main requirements are small-scale housing and escape prevention.

How big do Chelaner decuria colonies get?

Colony size is not well documented for this species.

Do Chelaner decuria need hibernation?

Diapause requirements are unconfirmed for this species. They come from a temperate region in Western Australia, so a slight cool period during winter may be beneficial but is not strictly required.

Why are my Chelaner decuria not moving much?

This is normal behavior, they are naturally slow-moving ants that forage at night. You may simply be observing them during their inactive daytime period. Check in the evening or morning for peak activity.

How do I identify Chelaner decuria?

They are tiny light brown ants with a darker head and gaster. The key identifying feature is their 10-segmented antennae, no other Australian Chelaner or Monomorium has this trait. Their slow, deliberate movement is also characteristic.

Where is Chelaner decuria found in the wild?

Only in the south-west corner of Western Australia, from the Perth metropolitan area north to Geraldton. They inhabit woodlands, wet sclerophyll forest, and coastal scrubland. They are the most common member of their species group in that region despite their limited range.

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .