Linepithema keiteli

Linepithema keiteli

Linepithema keiteli is a robust ant species endemic to the mountains of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic). Workers are small at 2.5-3mm, with a relatively broad head and distinctive erect setae on the abdomen. Queens are relatively large at 1.88-2.15mm mesosomal length. This species is remarkably abundant in its native range, often being one of the most common ants where it occurs. Colonies are populous and form extensive foraging trails day and night, with nests typically located under stones or in soil, often with multiple entrances extending under a series of stones ^[1][2]. The species shows considerable color variation across its range, from dark brown to reddish-brown with lighter appendages.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Endemic to the mountains of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), found at elevations from 770-1820m. Inhabits montane pine forest down through mesic tropical moist forests, also common on deforested slopes, forest edges, and roadsides ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Monogyne (single-queen colonies) and polydomous (multiple connected nest entrances). Research found single dealate queens in two of seven excavated nests, suggesting this structure ^[1][2].
  • Colony: Monogyne
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 1.88-2.15 mm mesosomal length ^[1]
  • Worker: 2.5-3 mm (head length 0.59-0.77mm) ^[1]
  • Colony: Populous colonies with extensive foraging trails, exact maximum unknown ^[1][2]
  • Growth: Moderate, estimated based on genus patterns
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on related Linepithema species and typical Dolichoderinae development at room temperature (Direct development data unavailable, estimates based on genus patterns for similar tropical montane species)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature around 20-24°C. As a montane species from Hispaniola, they likely prefer moderate temperatures rather than extreme heat. A gentle gradient allowing workers to choose their preferred temperature is ideal.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 50-70%. Provide a moist nest chamber but allow some drier areas for workers to self-regulate. Their natural habitat includes both humid forest floors and drier roadside edges.
  • Diapause: Unlikely required, as a tropical montane species from Hispaniola, they likely do not experience true hibernation. However, a slight cooling period during winter months may be beneficial.
  • Nesting: Provide a nest with multiple chambers connected by tunnels, reflecting their polydomous natural nesting under series of stones. Y-tong or plaster nests work well. Include several entrances if possible. Keep the nest substrate moderately moist.
• Behavior: Generally non-aggressive and tolerant of observation. Workers are active foragers that form visible trails, both day and night. They recruit to food sources and will tend aphids for honeydew. They are not known to be particularly defensive or to sting. Escape risk is moderate, their small size means standard escape prevention measures should be used, but they are not extreme escape artists like some tiny species.
• Common Issues: colonies may decline if kept too dry, they prefer moderate moisture, polydomous nature means they may benefit from multiple connected chambers in captivity, as a montane species, extreme heat should be avoided, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites that can affect captive survival, slow founding phase may cause beginners to lose patience

Housing and Nest Setup

Linepithema keiteli naturally nests under stones and in soil, often with multiple entrances extending under a series of stones. For captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster nest works well. Provide multiple connected chambers to accommodate their polydomous nature, this mimics their natural tendency to have several nest entrances. Keep the nest substrate moderately moist but not waterlogged. A small water reservoir connected to the nest helps maintain humidity. Standard escape prevention with fluon on test tube rims or formicarium edges is sufficient, they are small but not extreme escape artists. A foraging area should be spacious enough for their active foraging trails. ^[1][2]

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Linepithema keiteli workers recruit to dead insects and have been observed tending aphids on Psidium guayaba trees. In captivity, offer a varied diet including protein sources (small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworms) and sugar sources (sugar water, honey, or diluted honey). Protein should be offered 2-3 times per week, with sugar water constantly available. Their populous colonies can consume significant amounts of food, so monitor and adjust feeding based on colony size. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. ^[1]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a montane species from Hispaniola, Linepithema keiteli prefers moderate temperatures rather than extreme heat. Keep the nest area at 20-24°C, room temperature is often suitable. Avoid temperatures above 28°C. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create a temperature gradient, allowing workers to choose their preferred zone. Since they come from a tropical island that does not experience true winter, hibernation is likely not required. However, a slight reduction in temperature during winter months (down to around 18-20°C) may mimic their natural seasonal cycle and could benefit colony health. ^[1][2]

Colony Development and Growth

Linepithema keiteli forms populous colonies with extensive foraging trails. The founding phase likely follows typical claustral patterns for the genus, the queen seals herself in and raises the first workers alone on stored fat reserves. First workers (nanitics) will be smaller than mature workers. Colonies grow moderately, expect 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker based on related species. Once established, colonies can grow quite large given their populous nature. The species is monogynous with a single queen per colony, so colony growth depends entirely on the queen's egg-laying rate. ^[1]

Behavior and Observation

One of the most interesting aspects of Linepithema keiteli is their activity pattern, they form extensive foraging trails during both day and night, which is unusual among ants. Workers are active foragers that readily recruit to food sources. They are not particularly aggressive or defensive, making them suitable for observation. The species tends aphids in nature, so you may observe honeydew-seeking behavior if sugar sources are offered. Colonies are polydomous in the wild, meaning they maintain multiple nest entrances, this behavioral tendency may be expressed in captivity by spreading between connected chambers. ^[1][2]

Frequently Asked Questions

References