Chelaner antarcticus shows a March to April flight window. Peak activity occurs in March, with nuptial flights distributed across 2 months. The concentrated timeframe makes peak months critical for sightings.
Chelaner antarcticus
- Scientific Name
- Chelaner antarcticus
- Tribe
- Solenopsidini
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Author
- Smith, 1858
- Common Name
- Southern Ant
- Distribution
- Found in 1 countries
- Nuptial Flight
- from March to April, peaking in March
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Chelaner antarcticus Overview
Chelaner antarcticus (commonly known as the Southern Ant) is an ant species of the genus Chelaner. It is primarily documented in 1 countries , including New Zealand. Detailed taxonomic data and occurrence records can be further explored via authoritative databases such as AntWeb or the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
The nuptial flight of Chelaner antarcticus is a significant biological event, typically occurring from March to April, peaking in March. During this time, winged queens and males leave the nest to mate and establish new colonies.
Chelaner antarcticus - "Southern Ant"
Chelaner antarcticus is a small, variable ant native to New Zealand and surrounding islands. Workers measure 2-4mm with significant size variation within and between colonies. They come in four color forms: black, dark brown, brown, and yellow. This species builds subterranean nests with tunnels and chambers located 1-3cm below the soil surface, rarely foraging above ground. Colonies are remarkably large for a small ant, with median sizes around 1,800 workers and some colonies reaching over 11,000 individuals [1].
This ant is notable for its remarkable moisture-dependent behavior, colonies actively emigrate from dry soil to wetter areas and will move their brood to deeper chambers during simulated rainfall events. They are aggressive competitors against invasive species like the Argentine ant and can suppress small colonies of Linepithema humile. The species may actually be a complex of 3-4 distinct species, as recent genetic and chemical analysis has revealed significant hidden diversity within what was previously considered a single variable species [2][3].
Quick Summary
- Difficulty: Medium
- Origin & Habitat: New Zealand and surrounding islands (Kermadec Islands, Rapa in French Polynesia). Found from subtropical forests in the far north to beech forests and mountain tussock grassland in the south. Nests under half-buried stones or logs in open pastures, grasslands, swamps, forests, and gardens [2][1][4].
- Colony Type: Multi-queen colonies are common, one colony was documented with 66 wingless queens, and nine colonies had more than one wingless queen [1]. Likely polygynous (multiple queens working together) with ergatoid (wingless) replacement reproductives present.
- Colony: Polygyne
- Founding: Claustral
- Size & Growth:
- Queen: Estimated 4-5mm based on related Monomorium species
- Worker: 2-4mm with substantial variation within colonies [1]
- Colony: Median 1,800 workers, range 28 to ~11,400 workers [1]
- Growth: Moderate, based on colony development patterns
- Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature based on related Monomorium species (Development timeline not directly studied for this species. Estimates based on genus-level patterns.)
- Antkeeping:
- Temperature: Keep at 18-24°C. Being from temperate New Zealand, they prefer cooler conditions than tropical ants. Room temperature is likely suitable for most of the year.
- Humidity: High humidity required, this species actively seeks moist soil and will move colonies to wetter areas. Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. The ideal ratio is approximately 1mL water per 6g soil [2].
- Diapause: Yes, New Zealand winters require a hibernation period. Reduce temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter.
- Nesting: Subterranean nester, they build networks of tunnels and chambers near the soil surface. In captivity, they work well with soil-based formicariums, ant farms, or Y-tong nests with moist substrate. Avoid completely dry conditions.
- Behavior: Aggressive and territorial, they display violent behavior against other ant species and will actively defend their territory. Workers are rarely seen above ground, preferring to forage within soil for seeds and nutrients. They are skilled at suppressing smaller invasive ant colonies. Escape prevention should be good, while small, they are not particularly known for climbing smooth surfaces. However, their small size means standard barriers are still recommended [5][2].
- Common Issues: colonies may fail if kept too dry, they actively emigrate from dry conditions and require moist substrate, slow growth compared to tropical ants may frustrate beginners expecting fast development, may be aggressive toward other ant species if housed in shared spaces, the species complex means captive colonies may contain multiple cryptic species, queen loss during founding is common, ensure quiet, dark location with stable conditions
Nuptial Flight Activity Analysis 116 observations
Flight Activity by Hour 116 observations
Chelaner antarcticus nuptial flight activity peaks around 13:00 during the late morning to early afternoon. Activity is spread across a 14-hour window (10:00–23:00). Times may be influenced by human observation patterns.
Nest Preferences and Housing
Chelaner antarcticus is a subterranean nester that builds networks of tunnels and chambers 1-3cm below the soil surface. In the wild, they nest under half-buried stones, logs, or directly in soil in various habitats from pastures to forests [2]. For captive care, soil-based formicariums or ant farms work best since they allow the ants to exhibit their natural tunneling behavior. Y-tong nests with moist substrate are also suitable. The key requirement is maintaining consistent moisture in the nest material, this species will actively abandon dry areas and move to wetter sections of their enclosure [2]. Keep the nest substrate moist but not waterlogged, aiming for roughly 1mL water per 6g of dry substrate. Provide a water reservoir connected to the nest area to maintain humidity over time.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, these ants forage below ground within soil for seeds and nutrients, though they likely supplement with small insects and honeydew [2]. In captivity, offer a varied diet including small protein sources like fruit flies, small crickets, or mealworms. They will also accept sugar sources such as diluted honey or sugar water. Seeds can be offered as enrichment. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and provide constant access to sugar water. Remove uneaten food after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Their subterranean foraging means they may not readily take food from open foraging areas, place food directly on or in the substrate.
Temperature and Seasonal Care
As a temperate species from New Zealand, C. antarcticus prefers cooler temperatures than many common tropical ant species. Keep the nest area at 18-24°C during the active season. During winter, they require a diapause period, reduce temperatures to 10-15°C for 2-3 months to simulate New Zealand winter conditions. This hibernation period is important for colony health and reproductive cycling. Room temperature is often suitable for this species, but monitor during summer heatwaves as extreme temperatures could be harmful. They are found across New Zealand in areas ranging from very high rainfall (Fiordland: 8000mm) to very low rainfall (Canterbury: [2]
Colony Structure and Queen Care
This species forms polygynous colonies with multiple queens, one documented colony contained 66 wingless (ergatoid) queens, and nine other colonies had more than one wingless queen [1]. This suggests the species naturally maintains multi-queen colonies with wingless replacement reproductives that can take over if the primary queen dies. When keeping this species, you may receive colonies with multiple queens, which is normal for this species. Queens are smaller than many other ant species, likely 4-5mm. Colony sizes can grow very large, the median is around 1,800 workers but some colonies reach over 11,000 individuals [1]. This makes them one of the larger-growing small ant species in New Zealand.
Behavior and Defense
C. antarcticus is notably aggressive compared to many ant species. They display violent behavior toward other ant species and are known to suppress small colonies of the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) [5][2]. Workers are rarely observed above ground in the wild, suggesting they prefer subterranean foraging and are not highly visible. They are effective competitors and will defend their territory aggressively. Their venom contains unsaturated pyrrolizidines, which may serve as a chemical defense [6]. When housing this species, keep them separate from other ant colonies as they may attack and eliminate neighboring ant colonies.
Unique Moisture-Dependent Behavior
This species shows remarkable behavioral responses to soil moisture conditions. Research demonstrated that colonies actively emigrate from dry soil to wetter areas over time, and will move their brood to deeper or wetter chambers during simulated rainfall events [2]. Workers grab larvae and toss them down vertical shafts or place them into horizontal tunnels during rainfall, then return them to chambers after rainfall stops. They prioritize moving brood from areas with higher brood density. This behavior means captive colonies are sensitive to drying, always maintain moist substrate. The ideal soil moisture for brood rearing is approximately 1mL water per 6g soil, or 5-10mL per 40g soil [2].
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Chelaner antarcticus to produce first workers?
The exact development timeline is not directly documented, but based on related Monomorium species, expect 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature (around 20-22°C). Growth is moderate, not as fast as tropical species but steady under good conditions.
What do Chelaner antarcticus ants eat?
They forage below ground for seeds and nutrients, supplemented by small insects and honeydew. In captivity, feed small protein sources like fruit flies or small crickets 2-3 times per week, and provide constant access to sugar water or diluted honey. They may not readily take food from open foraging areas, place food on or in the substrate.
Can I keep multiple queens together in one colony?
Yes, this species is polygynous and naturally forms multi-queen colonies. One documented colony had 66 wingless queens, and multiple queens are common. Unlike some species where multiple queens fight, C. antarcticus colonies naturally coexist with several queens.
Do Chelaner antarcticus ants need hibernation?
Yes, as a native New Zealand species, they require a winter diapause period. Reduce temperatures to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter. This mimics their natural seasonal cycle and is important for colony health.
How big do Chelaner antarcticus colonies get?
Colonies are large for small ants, median size is around 1,800 workers, with some colonies reaching approximately 11,400 workers [1]. They are one of the larger-growing small ant species in New Zealand.
What humidity level do Chelaner antarcticus ants need?
High humidity is critical, this species actively seeks moist soil and will move away from dry areas. Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. The ideal ratio is approximately 1mL water per 6g of dry soil. Colonies will emigrate from dry conditions to wetter areas [2].
Are Chelaner antarcticus ants aggressive?
Yes, they are notably aggressive and will attack other ant species. They can suppress small colonies of invasive Argentine ants. Keep them separate from other ant colonies. They are not aggressive toward humans but will defend their nest vigorously against intruders.
What temperature range is best for Chelaner antarcticus?
Keep them at 18-24°C during the active season. They prefer cooler conditions than tropical ants. Room temperature is often suitable. During winter, provide a cool period at 10-15°C for hibernation.
What type of nest is best for Chelaner antarcticus?
Soil-based formicariums or ant farms work best since they allow natural tunneling behavior. Y-tong nests with moist substrate are also suitable. The key is maintaining consistent moisture in the substrate, avoid dry setups.
Is Chelaner antarcticus a good beginner ant?
They are moderate difficulty, not the easiest but not expert-level. Their moisture requirements and need for hibernation make them slightly more demanding than tropical species. The large colony sizes and interesting subterranean behavior are rewarding for keepers willing to meet their needs.
Why is my colony dying?
The most common cause is likely too-dry conditions, this species will abandon dry areas and may fail if substrate becomes too dry. Ensure consistent moisture. Other issues include improper temperatures (too hot or too cold), overfeeding leading to mold, or stress from disturbance during founding. They also require winter cooling for proper dormancy.
References
This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .
No specimens available
We couldn't find any AntWeb specimens for Chelaner antarcticus in our database.
Literature
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