Acanthostichus sanchezorum

Acanthostichus sanchezorum

A small, dark ant belonging to the Dorylinae subfamily (army ants). Workers are darker than related species and measure larger than similar Acanthostichus species. The species is distinguished by having the spiracle placed high on the propodeum, a smooth petiole dorsum, and an angulate scape near the apex. This ant is known only from the worker caste, with queens and males undescribed. It was described from specimens collected in Meta department, Colombia, where it nests in subterranean tunnels about 15cm below the soil surface. The genus Acanthostichus contains cryptic, ground-nesting ants that are rarely encountered by collectors.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Tropical Colombia (Meta department, Villavicencio). Found nesting in subterranean tunnels approximately 15cm below the soil surface ^[1].
• Colony Type: Unknown, only worker caste has been described. Queens and colony structure have not been documented in scientific literature.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, queen caste has not been described
  • Worker: Larger than related species (A. femoralis), exact measurements not specified in available literature ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, colony size has not been documented
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, no development data available for this species (Development timeline unconfirmed. Related Dorylinae species typically develop workers in 4-8 weeks at tropical temperatures, but this is an estimate only.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C. This species comes from tropical Colombia where temperatures are consistently warm year-round. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a suitable gradient.
  • Humidity: Require high humidity, think damp, tropical soil. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. The subterranean nesting depth of 15cm suggests they prefer stable, humid conditions underground.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no data on overwintering requirements. As a tropical species from Colombia, they likely do not require a diapause period, but this is unconfirmed.
  • Nesting: This is a subterranean nesting species found at 15cm depth. In captivity, a deep naturalistic setup with compact soil or a plaster/acrylic nest with narrow chambers works well. They prefer dark, enclosed spaces and are rarely seen on the surface.
• Behavior: Behavior is poorly documented. As a Dorylinae member, they are likely predatory on other small invertebrates. Their subterranean lifestyle means they are cryptic and rarely visible. Escape risk is moderate given their small size, use standard barrier methods. They are not known to be aggressive toward keepers.
• Common Issues: very limited biological data makes captive care speculative, queen and colony structure unknown, you may not be able to establish a reproducing colony, subterranean lifestyle means they are rarely visible, which can be disappointing for keepers, wild-caught colonies may be difficult to establish in captivity, no confirmed diet information, experimental feeding required

Nest Preferences and Housing

Acanthostichus sanchezorum is a subterranean nesting species found approximately 15cm below the soil surface in its natural habitat. This means they prefer dark, enclosed spaces with stable humidity. In captivity, a naturalistic setup with deep, compact substrate (like a terrarium-style formicarium) works well. The substrate should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. You can use a mixture of soil and sand or a plaster nest with narrow chambers. Because they nest deep underground, they do well in darker setups where light is minimized. Avoid bright lighting and keep the nest area covered to reduce stress. A small outworld for foraging allows you to observe them when they emerge to hunt for prey. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

As a member of the Dorylinae subfamily, this species is likely predatory on small invertebrates. However, no specific diet information exists for A. sanchezorum. Based on related species in the genus, they probably hunt small soil arthropods like springtails, mites, and tiny insects. In captivity, you should start by offering small live prey such as fruit fly adults, pinhead crickets, and other tiny arthropods. Observe whether they accept these foods. Sugar sources are unlikely to be important since Dorylinae ants are typically predatory. Feed every 2-3 days and remove uneaten prey after 24 hours. Since this species is rarely kept, experimental feeding trials may be necessary to determine their preferences.

Temperature and Care

This species comes from tropical Colombia, where temperatures remain warm year-round. Keep the nest area at roughly 24-28°C. A heating cable placed on one side of the nest can create a temperature gradient, allowing the ants to regulate their own exposure to warmth. Avoid temperatures below 22°C as this species is adapted to consistently tropical conditions. Temperature stability is important, avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes. Since they nest 15cm deep in the wild, they are adapted to relatively stable underground temperatures, so aim for consistency in your setup. ^[1]

Understanding the Challenges

Acanthostichus sanchezorum is one of the least-documented ant species in the hobby. Only the worker caste has been scientifically described, queens, males, and colony structure remain unknown. This creates significant challenges for antkeepers. You may not be able to establish a reproducing colony unless you find a mated queen, which has never been described. Wild-caught colonies are extremely difficult to locate given their subterranean nesting habits at 15cm depth. This species is best kept by experienced antkeepers who understand that much of the care will be speculative and may require experimentation. The cryptic nature of these ants means you will see them rarely, which can be rewarding for patient keepers but disappointing for those wanting active, visible colonies. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References