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

Prenolepis shanialena

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Prenolepis shanialena
Tribe
Lasiini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Williams & LaPolla, 2016
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
AI Identifiable
try →

Introduction

Prenolepis shanialena is a small ant species native to high-elevation regions of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, and southern China. Workers measure 3.01-4.28 mm in total length and display a uniform light to medium brown coloration with smooth, shiny cuticle . The species is distinguished by its large, oval compound eyes and a characteristic hump on the mesonotum that rises above the pronotum when viewed from the side . This ant was formally described in 2016 and is part of a group of high-elevation Asian Prenolepis species. Records from Nepal were previously attributed to this species but have been re-identified as P. rinpoche .

Loading distribution map...

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: Hard
  • Origin & Habitat: High-elevation regions of Southeast Asia, including Mount Fansipan in Vietnam, Thailand, and southern China. Specimens have been collected at elevations around 2300m in Nepal, but these are now re-identified as P. rinpoche [4][3][1].
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, no measurements for queens in original description [1]
    • Worker: 3.01-4.28 mm total length [1]
    • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unconfirmed, no development data exists for this species. (Development timeline is unknown.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep at room temperature, roughly 20-25°C. Based on high-elevation habitat, they may prefer cooler conditions [1].
    • Humidity: Provide a moisture gradient with a damp section and a drier area, as natural habitat moisture is unconfirmed [1].
    • Diapause: Unknown, no specific data on overwintering requirements.
    • Nesting: Natural nesting behavior is unconfirmed. Based on genus patterns, they may nest in soil or under stones, use test tube setups for founding [1].
  • Behavior: Behavior is unstudied. Based on genus patterns, they are likely docile and not aggressive. Workers are small (under 5mm), so escape prevention should be moderate [1].
  • Common Issues: lack of biological data makes care requirements uncertain, keepers should be prepared to experiment., queen and colony development data is absent, so growth timelines are estimates only., high-elevation origin may mean specific temperature needs different from typical tropical ants., wild-caught colonies may have unknown parasites or health issues.

Discovery and Taxonomy

Prenolepis shanialena was formally described in 2016 by Jason Williams and John LaPolla through a taxonomic revision of the genus Prenolepis [2]. The species was named after Shani Alena, the first author's fiancée. Type specimens were collected from Mount Fansipan in Vietnam [1]. This species was subsequently found in Thailand and southern China, with historical records from Nepal later re-identified as P. rinpoche [3].

Distribution and Habitat

This species occupies high-elevation habitats across mainland Southeast Asia. Confirmed range includes Vietnam, Thailand, and southern China. Records from Nepal at approximately 2300m elevation were re-identified as P. rinpoche [4][3]. The high-elevation distribution suggests this species prefers cooler, more temperate conditions [1].

Identification and Distinguishing Features

Workers measure 3.01-4.28 mm in total length and display uniform light to medium brown coloration [1]. Key features include large oval compound eyes, a mesonotum hump that rises above the pronotum in profile view, and prominent anterolateral lobes on the clypeus [2]. This species is similar to Prenolepis mediops but has larger eyes and a distinct mesonotum bulge.

Known Biology and Care Considerations

The complete biology of Prenolepis shanialena remains undocumented in scientific literature. The original description focuses on morphology without biological observations [1]. Based on genus-level knowledge, these ants may form moderate-sized colonies, nest in soil or under stones, and feed on honeydew and small insects. Keepers should observe colony response and adjust care conditions accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Prenolepis shanialena to produce first workers?

The egg-to-worker development time is unconfirmed for this species as no biological studies exist. Based on typical Prenolepis genus patterns, expect approximately 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature, but this is an estimate [1].

What do Prenolepis shanialena ants eat?

Specific diet preferences are unstudied. Based on genus patterns, they likely accept sugar sources and protein from small insects [1].

Can I keep Prenolepis shanialena in a test tube setup?

Yes, test tube setups are appropriate for founding colonies. Use standard barriers to prevent escapes, as workers are small [1].

What temperature is best for Prenolepis shanialena?

Keep them at room temperature, roughly 20-25°C. Based on high-elevation origin, they may prefer cooler conditions [1].

Do Prenolepis shanialena ants need hibernation?

Diapause requirements are unknown for this species. No specific overwintering protocols have been documented.

How big do Prenolepis shanialena colonies get?

Colony size is unknown, no colony size data exists for this species.

Is Prenolepis shanialena a good species for beginners?

Difficulty is hard due to lack of biological data. It is not recommended for beginners without experience.

Can I keep multiple Prenolepis shanialena queens together?

Colony structure is unconfirmed, so multi-queen setups are not recommended without data.

When do Prenolepis shanialena nuptial flights occur?

Nuptial flight timing is unknown for this species.

What humidity level do Prenolepis shanialena ants need?

Specific humidity requirements are unconfirmed. Provide a moisture gradient to allow self-regulation [1].

Where can I acquire Prenolepis shanialena ants?

This species is recently described and limited to high-elevation Southeast Asia. It is unlikely to be available through common suppliers, obtain only through permitted means in native range.

Report an Issue

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

Creative Commons License

This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .