Myrmicaria chapmani

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Unknown, insufficient captive care data
• Origin & Habitat: Negros Island, Philippines, found in the south-eastern part of the island at elevations from 1,000-2,000 feet. The type specimens were collected from forest areas near Lake Balinsasayao and Dumaguete. As a tropical Philippine species, it inhabits humid lowland to mid-mountain forest environments.
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, colony structure has not been documented in scientific literature
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Not yet described, dealate queens have not been documented in the type series
  • Worker: 5.35-6.85mm total length ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available
  • Growth: Unknown, no development studies exist
  • Development: Unknown, no direct measurements available (Development timeline has not been studied for this species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Likely 24-30°C based on Philippine tropical origin. Start in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius and observe colony activity.
  • Humidity: Likely requires high humidity (70-85%) given the tropical island origin and forest habitat. Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Unlikely, as a tropical Philippine species, they do not require a diapause period.
  • Nesting: Natural nesting habits are undocumented. Based on related Myrmicaria species, they likely nest in soil or rotting wood. In captivity, a naturalistic setup with moist substrate or a Y-tong/plaster nest would be appropriate.
• Behavior: Behavior has not been documented in captivity or in detail in the wild. Related Myrmicaria species are typically active foragers with moderate aggression. Workers are medium-sized and likely capable of defending the colony. This species has a functional sting. Escape risk is moderate, standard formicarium precautions apply.
• Common Issues: this is a newly described species with virtually no captive care information, starting a colony may be challenging, no confirmed diet preferences, unknown what foods they will accept, colony founding behavior is unconfirmed, no data on queen founding success rates in captivity, humidity requirements are inferred, not confirmed, monitor for signs of stress

Discovery and Taxonomy

Myrmicaria chapmani was described in 2018 by Zettel, Laciny, Balàka, and General, making it one of the most recently described ant species available in the hobby. The species is named after James Wittenmyer Chapman (1880-1964), a myrmecologist who worked at Silliman University in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. Chapman collected many of the type specimens himself during his research in the early to mid-20th century. This species holds special significance as it is the only known Myrmicaria species from Negros Island, distinguishing it from other Philippine Myrmicaria by its unique combination of morphological features including the long median carina extending onto the propodeum and the non-striate base of the first gaster tergite. ^[1]

Identification and Morphology

Workers of Myrmicaria chapmani are medium-sized ants measuring 5.35-6.85mm in total length. The head is roundish to slightly transverse with strong longitudinal rugae on the dorsal and lateral surfaces. A distinctive feature is that the eyes do not touch the outline of the head in full-face view due to slightly swollen temples. The scape is relatively short. The mesosoma has a strong median carina running from the anterior margin of the pronotum onto the base of the propodeum. Propodeal spines are moderately long and directed slightly dorsocaudally. The body coloration is yellowish-brown on the trunk, with the gaster typically being darker. All appendages are yellow, and the body is covered with abundant pale yellow setae of two different lengths. ^[1]

Distribution and Habitat

This species is known only from Negros Island in the Philippines, specifically from the south-eastern part of the island. Type specimens were collected from the Lake Balinsasayao area in Sibulan and from various locations around Dumaguete City. The collection elevations range from 1,000 to 2,000 feet above sea level. The specimens were found in October, March, and May, suggesting they are active year-round in their tropical habitat. The exact microhabitat is not described in the original description, but the forest locations near lakes suggest a preference for humid, shaded areas. ^[1]

Housing and Nesting

Since this is a newly described species with no captive care history, housing recommendations are based on inference from related species and the known natural habitat. A naturalistic setup with moist, forest-floor-type substrate would be a good starting point. The species likely prefers humid conditions, so maintaining substrate moisture is important. A Y-tong or plaster nest with good humidity retention could also work well. Given the medium worker size, standard-sized chambers and tunnels should be appropriate. Provide a water tube for humidity and ensure the outworld is escape-proof.

Feeding and Diet

The diet of Myrmicaria chapmani has not been documented in scientific literature. As a member of the subfamily Myrmicinae and tribe Solenopsidini, they likely have an omnivorous diet similar to related genera, potentially including small insects, honeydew, and nectar. Start with offering protein sources like small crickets, mealworms, or fruit flies, along with sugar water or honey as an energy source. Observe acceptance carefully and adjust offerings based on what the colony consumes.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

As a tropical species from the Philippines, Myrmicaria chapmani likely requires warm and humid conditions. Aim for temperatures in the range of 24-30°C, which aligns with typical Philippine lowland to mid-elevation conditions. A temperature gradient allows the ants to self-regulate. Humidity should be kept high, likely 70-85%, reflecting the humid tropical environment of Negros Island. Maintain substrate moisture without creating waterlogged conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References