Pristomyrmex bispinosus

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Endemic to Mauritius and Reunion islands in the Indian Ocean. They nest in rot pockets of Nuxia verticillata trees in forest habitat, usually 1.5-2 meters above ground ^[2][3]. They are also found foraging on trees and on the ground in forests ^[1].
• Colony Type: Likely single-queen (monogyne) based on the fission reproduction pattern – a newly inseminated queen leaves with workers to start a separate nest ^[4]. This has not been directly confirmed.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown – queens are wingless ^[4] but no measurements are available.
  • Worker: 4.36-4.82 mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown – no data available.
  • Growth: Unknown – no data available.
  • Development: Unknown – there is no specific study for this species. Expect several weeks at warm temperature based on similar tropical Myrmicinae species. (Development time and temperature dependence are unconfirmed.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep the nest at 22-26°C. As a tropical island species, they need steady warmth. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a gentle gradient if your room is cooler. Avoid prolonged temperatures below 18°C.
  • Humidity: Provide moderate to high humidity – mimic the inside of a tree rot pocket. Keep the nest substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged. Allow some drying between waterings to prevent mold.
  • Diapause: No – being a tropical species from Mauritius (~20°S latitude), they do not require hibernation. Keep conditions consistent year-round ^[4].
  • Nesting: They naturally nest in decaying wood cavities. In captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nest works well. Use chambers sized for their 4-5 mm workers. Avoid overly wet substrates that could cause mold.
• Behavior: Workers are active foragers that search both on the ground and on vegetation – they have been observed foraging on Nuxia verticillata trees alongside Proceratium avium ^[2]. As members of tribe Crematogastrini, their stinger is modified to smear venom rather than pierce. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend their nest by wiping venom onto threats. Escape prevention is moderate – they are active climbers but not tiny. Use Fluon or proper lids.
• Common Issues: nesting in decaying wood means you need to provide a suitable wood-like nesting environment – standard test tubes may not be ideal for long-term housing., tropical species requires consistent warmth year-round – temperatures below 18°C can stress the colony and stop brood development., colony reproduction by fission means you cannot easily catch a mated queen alone – you need a fragment with workers. Wild collection may impact threatened island populations ^[5]., being an endemic species from a small island, wild colonies should be collected only with proper permits – seek captive-bred sources instead ^[5]., growth rate and colony size are unstudied – be patient and monitor conditions carefully without expecting rapid expansion.

Housing and Nest Setup

Pristomyrmex bispinosus naturally nests in rot pockets of the native tree Nuxia verticillata, usually 1.5-2 meters above ground ^[2][3]. In captivity, try to replicate this elevated, humid wood environment. A Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nest with narrow chambers works well – these materials mimic decaying wood. Chamber size should suit their 4-5 mm workers. Keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged to avoid mold. Use an outworld with climbing structures since they naturally forage on vegetation. Start a new colony in a test tube setup, then move to a formicarium once the colony has a small worker population (up to 30 workers).

Feeding and Diet

Like most Myrmicinae, Pristomyrmex bispinosus accepts a varied diet. In the wild, foragers have been seen on Nuxia verticillata trees where they may collect honeydew from aphids or other insects ^[2]. Offer small protein sources like fruit flies, small mealworms, or cricket pieces. Provide sugar water or honey water for energy. Feed protein 2-3 times a week and keep sugar water available constantly. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Because workers are small, prey items should be no larger than their head.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a tropical species from Mauritius (~20°S latitude), Pristomyrmex bispinosus needs warm, stable temperatures year-round. Keep the nest at 22-26°C for normal activity and brood development. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a gradient if your room is cooler – place the cable on top, not underneath, to avoid drying the nest too fast. Unlike temperate species, they do not need hibernation ^[4]. Consistent warmth is more important than seasonal changes. Avoid temperatures below 18°C for long periods, as this can stress the colony and slow brood growth.

Colony Reproduction and Growth

This species has a unique way of starting new colonies. Queens are wingless and cannot fly. Instead, after mating, a newly inseminated queen walks away from the parent nest with a group of workers to establish a separate colony – this is called fission ^[4]. In captivity, you cannot simply introduce a mated queen to a new setup. To split a colony, carefully separate a queen with some workers into a new nest. Colony growth is unstudied – based on typical tree-nesting Myrmicinae, expect slow to moderate growth over months. There is no confirmed egg-to-worker time for this species.

Behavior and Temperament

Workers are active foragers that search on the ground and on trees – they have been observed foraging on Nuxia verticillata trees alongside Proceratium avium ^[2]. This species belongs to tribe Crematogastrini, which has a modified stinger that smears venom rather than stinging. When threatened, workers may wipe venom onto the attacker. They are not aggressive toward keepers but will defend their nest. They are moderate escape artists – not tiny enough to slip through fine mesh, but active enough to find gaps. Use standard barriers like Fluon or tight lids. Workers likely use chemical trails to recruit nestmates to food sources.

Handling and Interaction

Pristomyrmex bispinosus is a manageable species for antkeepers who can provide the right conditions. They are not very aggressive, but they will smear venom if you disturb the nest. When transferring them, coax them into a test tube rather than picking them up. Their moderate size (4-5 mm workers) makes them easy to observe without a microscope. Because they are a threatened island endemic, avoid collecting wild colonies – look for captive-bred sources instead ^[5]. Patience is needed since colony growth data is lacking.

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References