Lordomyrma leae

Lordomyrma leae

Lordomyrma leae is a small, dark ant species endemic to Lord Howe Island, a remote volcanic island off the coast of New South Wales, Australia. Workers measure 3.4-3.6mm and have a distinctive appearance with relatively short propodeal spines but notably long metasternal spines. Their body is dark piceous brown with reddish-brown accents on the mandibles, clypeus, legs, and gaster tips. The head and thorax show longitudinal to transverse rugose sculpturing, while the gaster is smoother and more shining. This species was first documented in 1915 and remains known primarily from its type locality on Lord Howe Island ^[1][2].

As a Lordomyrma species, these ants likely inhabit forest environments and prefer nesting in damp, shaded microhabitats such as rotting wood or under stones. The genus is not well-studied in captivity, but based on related Crematogastrini ants, they are probably docile colony inhabitants with moderate humidity requirements. Their small size and relatively non-aggressive nature make them an interesting species for antkeepers seeking something unusual, though their specific care requirements remain poorly documented in scientific literature.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Lord Howe Island, Australia, endemic to this isolated volcanic island in the Tasman Sea. They inhabit the island's forest environments, likely preferring damp, shaded microhabitats ^[1][3].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Like most Lordomyrma species, they likely form small to moderate colonies, but the exact queen number and colony size in wild populations has not been documented.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Undescribed in available literature, queen size estimated at 5-6mm based on genus patterns
  • Worker: 3.4-3.6mm ^[2]
  • Colony: Unknown, likely small to moderate based on genus patterns, possibly under 500 workers
  • Growth: Unknown, estimated moderate based on related species
  • Development: Unconfirmed, estimated 6-10 weeks based on typical Myrmicinae development at optimal temperature (Development timeline has not been directly studied. Estimates based on related Crematogastrini species suggest several months from egg to adult worker.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 22-26°C as a starting point. Lord Howe Island has a subtropical climate with mild temperatures year-round, so avoid extremes. Monitor colony activity to find the ideal range ^[4].
  • Humidity: Require moderate to high humidity, think damp forest floor conditions. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, with some drier areas available for the ants to regulate their own moisture exposure ^[4].
  • Diapause: Unknown for this species. Lord Howe Island has mild winters, so a true diapause may not be required. Consider a brief cool period (15-18°C) during winter months rather than a full hibernation ^[4].
  • Nesting: In nature they likely nest in rotting wood, under stones, or in leaf litter. In captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster nest with good moisture retention works well. Provide a small outworld and narrow chambers scaled to their 3-4mm size ^[4].
• Behavior: These ants are generally docile and non-aggressive. Workers are small and likely forage primarily in the nest vicinity rather than traveling far. They probably feed on small insects, honeydew, and nectar like other Lordomyrma species. Their small size means escape prevention is important, use fine mesh and tight-fitting barriers. They are not known to be particularly aggressive or to sting ^[4].
• Common Issues: very limited scientific data means care requirements are estimates, monitor your colony closely and adjust conditions based on their behavior, escape prevention is important due to their small 3-4mm size, use fine mesh barriers and check for gaps, humidity management is critical, too dry and brood will fail, too wet and mold becomes a problem, slow growth is typical for this genus, don't overfeed or disturb the colony frequently, wild-caught colonies may have parasites or disease that can cause colony failure in captivity

Origin and Distribution

Lordomyrma leae is endemic to Lord Howe Island, making it a truly special species for antkeepers. This small volcanic island lies in the Tasman Sea about 600km off the coast of New South Wales, Australia. The species was first recorded in 1915 and was formally described by William Morton Wheeler in 1919 based on specimens collected by A.M. Lea ^[1].

Lord Howe Island has a unique subtropical climate with mild temperatures year-round. The island is relatively small (about 11km long) and features diverse habitats from beaches to subtropical forests. As an endemic species, L. leae is found nowhere else in the world, making any captive colonies particularly valuable for conservation of this species' genetics ^[3].

The limited distribution means wild populations are small and potentially vulnerable. If you obtain stock, it likely comes from established cultures rather than wild collection, which is better for both conservation and colony health.

Identification and Appearance

Workers of Lordomyrma leae measure 3.4-3.6mm, making them a small but not tiny ant species. They have a distinctive appearance with relatively short propodeal spines on the rear of their thorax, but notably long metasternal spines underneath. The head is longer than broad with rounded sides and small, elongate, flat eyes positioned toward the front ^[2].

The body coloration is dark piceous brown, nearly black on the thorax, petiole, and postpetiole. Lighter reddish-brown areas appear on the mandibles, clypeus, cheeks, the base and tip of the gaster, and the legs including the coxae. The first funiculus joints and the antennal club are also reddish-brown ^[2].

Sculpturing is a key identification feature: the head shows longitudinal rugae that become coarsely reticulate on the back of the head. The thorax, petiole, and postpetiole have irregular transverse rugae. In contrast, the gaster is smoother and more shining, without the coarse punctures seen in some related species. Body hairs are moderately long, abundant, yellowish, and bristly, standing erect or semi-erect across most of the body ^[2].

Nest Preferences and Housing

In their natural habitat on Lord Howe Island, Lordomyrma leae likely nests in damp forest microhabitats. Based on typical Lordomyrma genus behavior, they probably prefer rotting wood, hollow stems, or spaces under stones and logs. The island's humid, subtropical environment supports these moisture-loving ants ^[4].

For captive housing, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster formicarium works well because these materials hold moisture effectively. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, the ants should be able to move between damp and slightly drier areas within the nest. A small test tube setup can work for founding colonies, but expect to move them to a more substantial nest as the colony grows.

Chamber size should be scaled to their 3-4mm worker size, narrow passages and small chambers help them feel secure. Provide a small outworld for foraging. Because of their small size, use fine mesh for any barriers and check regularly for escape routes. Good ventilation is important to prevent mold while maintaining humidity.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Lordomyrma species, Lordomyrma leae is likely omnivorous with a preference for small invertebrates and sugar sources. In captivity, offer a varied diet including small live prey like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworm pieces. They probably also accept sugar water, honey, or diluted honeydew.

Feed protein prey items once or twice per week, removing any uneaten prey after 24-48 hours. Keep a constant source of sugar water available. Because of their small size, prey items should be appropriately sized, nothing larger than their head width.

Observing foraging behavior will help you refine their diet. If workers ignore certain foods, try alternatives. The limited natural history data means some experimentation may be needed to determine their exact preferences. ^[4]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Lord Howe Island has a mild subtropical climate with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C or exceeding 30°C. For captive care, aim for a stable temperature in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius, roughly 22-26°C seems appropriate as a starting point. Avoid temperatures above 30°C or below 15°C for extended periods.

A heating cable on one side of the nest can create a gentle temperature gradient, allowing the ants to regulate their own exposure. Place the heating element on top of the nest, not underneath, to prevent excessive drying.

Regarding winter dormancy: the species likely does not require a true hibernation given Lord Howe Island's mild winters. However, a brief cool period during winter months (reducing to 15-18°C for 2-3 months) may be beneficial and more closely mimics natural seasonal cycles. Monitor colony activity, if they remain active and brood continues developing, they may not need a cool period. ^[4]

Behavior and Temperament

Lordomyrma leae is likely a docile, non-aggressive species typical of the genus. Workers probably forage relatively short distances from the nest, focusing on the immediate surroundings. They are not known to be particularly aggressive or to have a painful sting, their small size means any sting would be negligible to humans.

The colony is probably relatively calm, with workers going about their tasks without excessive alarm responses. This makes them suitable for observation but perhaps less exciting than some more active species. They likely exhibit typical Myrmicinae behaviors including trophallaxis (food sharing), brood care, and cooperative foraging.

Their small size does mean escape prevention is important. Even though they're not particularly good climbers, they can squeeze through remarkably small gaps. Use fluon barriers, tight-fitting lids, and check for any cracks or gaps in your setup. ^[4]

Frequently Asked Questions

References