Myrmecina raviwonghei

Myrmecina raviwonghei

Myrmecina raviwonghei is a tiny ant species from Thailand and southern China, measuring just 2.2-2.6mm in total length ^[1][2]. Workers are mostly black with a reddish-brown tip on the gaster, while their mandibles, antennae, and legs are yellowish brown ^[1]. This species belongs to the Myrmecina gracilis species group and can be identified by the distinctive longitudinal rugae (wrinkles) on their head and mesosoma, along with fine punctures covering the first abdominal segment ^[1][2]. They have very small eyes with only 4-6 ommatidia and short antennae that don't reach the corners of their head ^[1].

These ants inhabit primary evergreen forests across Thailand and Yunnan, China, from lowland areas up to 900-1000m elevation ^[1][3]. They nest in rotting wood, leaf litter, soil, and sometimes under moss or stones ^[3]. A notable trait is the presence of ergatogynes, wingless queens that can serve as replacement reproductives if the primary queen dies ^[2]. Colonies are very small, typically containing only 30-50 workers ^[3].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Thailand and Yunnan, China. Found in primary evergreen forests from lowland to highland elevations (900-1000m). Nests in rotting wood, leaf litter, soil, and under stones or moss ^[1][3].
• Colony Type: Small colonies with ergatoid replacement queens. Colonies typically contain 30-50 workers ^[3]. Ergatogynes (wingless reproductive workers) are present and can replace the primary queen if needed ^[2].
  • Colony: Monogyne
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Not directly measured, estimated based on worker size (queens would be larger, likely 3-4mm)
  • Worker: 2.2-2.6mm total length ^[2][3]. Head length 0.58-0.63mm, head width 0.53-0.63mm ^[1][2].
  • Colony: Typically 30-50 workers ^[3]. Maximum likely under 100 workers based on genus patterns.
  • Growth: Slow, small colony size and likely long development time
  • Development: Unknown, no direct data. Based on similar tiny Myrmicinae and their small colony size, estimate 8-12 weeks at optimal temperature. (Development is likely slow given their small colony size and tropical distribution. No specific studies on development timing exist for this species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 22-26°C. This species comes from warm Asian forests, so moderate warmth is appropriate. A gentle temperature gradient allows workers to choose their preferred zone.
  • Humidity: High humidity preferred, they naturally live in forest floor environments with leaf litter and rotting wood. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide some drier areas for workers to self-regulate.
  • Diapause: Likely not required, this is a tropical/subtropical species from Thailand and southern China. No evidence of winter dormancy in their native habitat ^[1][3].
  • Nesting: Prefers naturalistic setups with small chambers. Y-tong (acrylic) nests with tight passages work well, or a small test tube setup with leaf litter material. They naturally nest in rotting wood and leaf litter, so providing these materials mimics their natural environment ^[3].
• Behavior: These are calm, non-aggressive ants that prefer to avoid confrontation. Workers are small and slow-moving, foraging through leaf litter and substrate material. They are not known to sting and pose no danger to keepers. Their tiny size (2-3mm) means they can escape through very small gaps, excellent escape prevention is essential. Workers likely forage individually rather than using chemical trails. Colonies are peaceful and do not exhibit aggressive territorial behavior.
• Common Issues: tiny size means escapes are likely without fine mesh barriers, small colony size makes them vulnerable to stress, avoid disturbing the nest frequently, high humidity requirements can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, slow growth may cause keepers to overfeed or over-handle the colony, wild-caught colonies may have parasites given their leaf-litter habitat

Housing and Nest Setup

Myrmecina raviwonghei is a tiny ant that needs appropriately scaled housing. A small test tube setup works well for founding colonies, while established colonies can be moved to a Y-tong (acrylic) nest with small, tight chambers. The passages should be narrow, these ants feel secure in snug spaces. Because they naturally nest in rotting wood and leaf litter, adding some substrate material from their natural habitat (sterilized) can help them feel at home. A small outworld connected to the nest allows for feeding. Ensure all connections are secure, these tiny ants can squeeze through gaps you might not expect. ^[1][3]

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Myrmecina species forage through leaf litter and rotting wood, likely feeding on small arthropods, honeydew, and organic matter ^[3]. In captivity, offer small protein sources like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworms. Sugar water or honey can be offered occasionally, though acceptance varies. Feed small amounts twice weekly and remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. Given their tiny size, prey items should be appropriately scaled, springtails or fruit fly pupae work well for this species.

Temperature and Humidity

This species comes from warm, humid forests in Thailand and southern China. Maintain temperatures around 22-26°C with some variation allowed. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a gradient workers can regulate themselves. High humidity is important, aim for 70-80% relative humidity in the nest area. The substrate should feel consistently damp but never waterlogged. Mist occasionally and ensure the water tube in test tube setups stays filled. Good ventilation prevents mold while maintaining humidity. ^[1][3]

Colony Structure and Growth

Myrmecina raviwonghei forms small colonies, typically containing only 30-50 workers ^[3]. A unique feature is the presence of ergatogynes, wingless queens that develop from workers and can serve as replacement reproductives if the primary queen dies ^[2]. This means your colony has built-in redundancy for survival. Growth is slow, expect several months for the first workers to emerge from a founding queen, and many months to reach even 30 workers. Patience is key with this species. Avoid the temptation to overfeed or disturb the colony frequently.

Behavior and Handling

These are calm, docile ants that prefer to stay hidden in their nest material. Workers are slow-moving and forage individually through substrate rather than forming obvious trails. They are not aggressive and do not pose any sting risk to humans. The main concern for keepers is their tiny size, they can escape through remarkably small gaps. Use fine mesh on all openings and consider applying Fluon or another barrier to the rim of the outworld. Handle any colony transfers gently as these small ants are somewhat fragile. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References