Lordomyrma infundibuli

Lordomyrma infundibuli

Lordomyrma infundibuli is a tiny ant species native to New Guinea, specifically described from Jutefa Bay in West Papua. Workers are very small, measuring around 1.36mm in body length with a head width of approximately 0.99mm ^[1]. The genus Lordomyrma belongs to the Myrmicinae subfamily and is part of the Crematogastrini tribe. These ants are found exclusively in the Australasian region, with New Guinea being their known range ^[2]. Little is known about their specific biology in the wild, but like other Lordomyrma species, they likely inhabit moist forest environments where they nest in rotting wood or leaf litter.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Unknown, insufficient data for reliable assessment
• Origin & Habitat: New Guinea, specifically Jutefa Bay in West Papua. Likely inhabits tropical forest floor microhabitats with high humidity ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. The genus Lordomyrma is poorly studied and no data exists on whether colonies are single-queen (monogyne) or multi-queen (polygyne).
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, not measured in original description ^[1].
  • Worker: Approximately 1.36mm in Weber's length (WL), with head width (HW) of 0.99mm ^[1].
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available.
  • Growth: Unknown, no development data exists for this species.
  • Development: Unknown, no direct measurements exist. Estimates based on related Myrmicinae suggest 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature, but this is highly speculative. (No development data exists for this species. Related Lordomyrma species in tropical environments may develop faster than temperate species, but this remains unconfirmed.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Likely requires warm, stable conditions typical of tropical New Guinea species. Based on habitat inference, aim for roughly 24-28°C with a gentle gradient. Adjust based on colony activity and observe behavior.
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity, think damp forest floor conditions. Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide a gradient from damp to slightly drier areas so ants can self-regulate.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no research on seasonal behavior. As a tropical species from New Guinea, diapause may not be required, but this is unconfirmed.
  • Nesting: No direct data on natural nesting preferences. Based on genus patterns, likely nests in rotting wood, under bark, or in leaf litter. In captivity, a Y-tong nest or moist plaster nest works well for these tiny ants. Avoid dry environments.
• Behavior: Behavior is unstudied. Based on related species, they are likely docile and non-aggressive. Their tiny size means escape prevention must be excellent, they can squeeze through the smallest gaps. Foraging style is unknown but likely involves searching for small prey and honeydew.
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their very small size, use fine mesh and tight-fitting barriers, lack of published care information means no established husbandry guidelines exist, wild-caught colonies may have unknown parasites or diseases that can cause captive failures, humidity requirements are poorly understood, too dry may be fatal, but specific needs are unknown, feeding requirements are unconfirmed, diet preferences for this species have not been studied

Species Overview and Identification

Lordomyrma infundibuli is a rarely encountered ant species described by Donisthorpe in 1940 from specimens collected at Jutefa Bay in West Papua, New Guinea ^[1]. Workers are among the smallest ants in the Myrmicinae subfamily, measuring approximately 1.36mm in body length with a head width of just 0.99mm ^[1]. The genus Lordomyrma contains several species distributed across the Australasian region, with New Guinea being a significant center of diversity. This species is considered distinctive within the genus, though specific identifying features were not detailed in the original description. The queen (gyne) was also characterized in the original description but measurements have not been widely reported ^[1].

Natural History and Distribution

This species is known only from New Guinea, specifically the Jutefa Bay area in West Papua, Indonesia ^[1]. The natural history of Lordomyrma infundibuli remains essentially undocumented in the scientific literature. No observations on foraging behavior, colony structure, nuptial flight timing, or nesting preferences have been published. The broader genus Lordomyrma is known to contain forest-dwelling species that typically nest in rotting wood, under bark, or in leaf litter on the forest floor. Given the humid tropical environment of New Guinea, these ants almost certainly require consistently moist conditions. The lack of published biological data makes it impossible to provide confident care recommendations based on direct evidence.

Housing and Nesting

No specific nesting data exists for this species, but captive housing should reflect what is known about related Lordomyrma species. A Y-tong (acrylic) nest or moist plaster nest provides the humidity control these ants likely need. Test tubes can work for founding colonies if humidity is maintained in the surrounding outworld. Because workers are only about 1.4mm long, escape prevention must be excellent, use fine mesh barriers and ensure all connections are sealed. The nest should have small chambers scaled to their tiny size. Provide a water tube or moisture reservoir to maintain humidity over time. Avoid dry environments entirely.

Feeding and Diet

The diet of Lordomyrma infundibuli has not been documented. Like other Myrmicinae ants, they likely consume small insects, honeydew, and possibly nectar. For captive care, offer small live prey such as springtails, fruit flies, or other tiny arthropods. Sugar water or honey water may be accepted, though this is speculative. Start with small prey items and observe acceptance. Do not overfeed, excess food can mold and create health problems in small colonies. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

As a tropical species from New Guinea, Lordomyrma infundibuli almost certainly requires warm, humid conditions. Based on habitat inference, maintain temperatures in the range of 24-28°C. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create a gentle gradient if room temperature is lower. Humidity should be high, the nest substrate should feel consistently moist but not waterlogged. A humidity gradient from damp to slightly drier allows ants to self-regulate. Avoid both drying out and stagnant, mold-prone conditions. Adequate ventilation is important while maintaining humidity.

Challenges in Keeping This Species

Lordomyrma infundibuli represents a significant challenge for antkeepers because virtually no published husbandry information exists. This is one of the least-studied ant species in the hobby. Keepers must be prepared to experiment and document their own observations. The tiny size of workers (only about 1.4mm) makes escape prevention critical and can complicate feeding. Wild-caught colonies may carry parasites or diseases not yet characterized. There is no information on diapause requirements, as a tropical species, they may not need a winter rest period, but this remains unconfirmed. Starting with a small colony and carefully documenting conditions that work (or don't) is essential for building husbandry knowledge for this species.

Frequently Asked Questions

References