Myrmicaria carinata

Myrmicaria carinata

Myrmicaria carinata is a small to medium-sized ant species native to the Indomalayan region, found across Borneo, Brunei, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Workers measure approximately 4.5-5mm with a distinctive color pattern featuring a dark head and gaster contrasting against a ferruginous (rusty red) thorax. The species has strong sculptural features and was originally described from Borneo by Frederick Smith in 1857. This ant nests in the ground and has been collected from various habitats ranging from lowland dipterocarp forests to higher elevations around 1400-1500m in areas like the Cameron Highlands and Sumatra. ^[1][2][3]

What makes M. carinata interesting is its distribution across a wide geographic range spanning both mainland Asia and the Malay Archipelago. The species shows some variation in size and sculpture between populations from different regions, with Sumatran specimens tending to be slightly larger than those from Borneo. It belongs to the Myrmicinae subfamily within the Solenopsidini tribe, a group that includes many diverse and ecologically important ants in tropical Asia. ^[4][2]

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to the Indomalayan region including Borneo, Brunei, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Found in lowland dipterocarp forests and higher elevation areas up to 1500m. This is a ground-nesting species that prefers forested habitats. ^[1][2][5]
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed colony structure. The colony type (single-queen vs multi-queen) has not been documented in scientific literature for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 6-8mm based on genus typical sizes and related Myrmicaria species, direct measurements not available
  • Worker: 4.5-5mm ^[3]
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available for this species
  • Growth: Unknown, growth rate has not been studied
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks based on typical Myrmicinae development patterns at tropical temperatures (25-28°C) (Development timeline is inferred from related species, not directly studied for M. carinata specifically)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. Based on its tropical origin and collection from lowland forests, this species requires warm conditions. A gentle temperature gradient allowing workers to self-regulate is recommended.
  • Humidity: High humidity preferred, aim for 70-80% relative humidity. Forest-dwelling ground-nesters typically need consistently moist substrate. Keep the nest substrate damp but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no documented diapause requirement. Given its tropical origin, it likely does not require true hibernation but may show reduced activity during cooler periods.
  • Nesting: Ground-nesting species. In captivity, a naturalistic setup with soil or a plaster/acrylic nest with moisture retention works well. Provide a deep enough chamber for colony expansion. Y-tong nests with moist substrate are also suitable.
• Behavior: Behavior is not well-documented but Myrmicaria species are generally moderate foragers with typical myrmicine behavior. Workers are active foragers that likely search for protein and sugar sources. Escape risk is moderate, workers at 4.5-5mm require standard barrier precautions but are not particularly escape-prone like tiny species. Temperament is likely moderate, not particularly aggressive but will defend the nest. Provide an outworld for foraging.
• Common Issues: lack of specific care information makes successful captive husbandry more challenging, humidity control is critical, too dry and colonies will fail, too wet risks flooding, temperature must be maintained consistently warm, cool temperatures likely stress this tropical species, no documented diapause requirements means seasonal care is uncertain, wild-caught colonies may have parasites or diseases not yet characterized for this species

Natural History and Distribution

Myrmicaria carinata is found across the Indomalayan region, with documented populations in Borneo, Brunei, India (specifically Karnataka state), Indonesia (Sumatra), and Malaysia. The species was first described from Borneo in 1857 and has been collected from diverse habitats including lowland dipterocarp forests in Brunei and higher elevation areas in West Sumatra (around 900m), East Java (1400m), and the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia (1500m). This altitudinal range suggests some flexibility in habitat preferences, though all collection sites are forested. The species is ground-nesting, with one documented nest found in soil near a pond at higher elevation in Java. ^[1][2][5][3]

Identification and Morphology

Workers of Myrmicaria carinata measure approximately 4.5-5mm in length with a head width of 1.22-1.28mm. The species has distinctive coloration: the head and gaster are dark/blackish, the thorax is a ferruginous (rusty red) color, and the appendages are dark brown with lighter joints and tarsi. Strong sculptural features characterize this species, including fine longitudinal striae on various body parts. There is some regional variation, specimens from Sumatra tend to be larger (5-6.3mm) with larger head widths (1.46-1.59mm). The species was historically confused with related taxa and was once considered a subspecies of Myrmicaria fodica before being recognized as a distinct species. ^[3]

Housing and Nest Setup

Since M. carinata is a ground-nesting species from tropical forests, provide a nest setup that maintains humidity while allowing for proper drainage. A naturalistic setup with a soil chamber or a plaster/acrylic nest with moisture retention works well. The nest should have chambers deep enough to allow for colony expansion as the colony grows. Since this is a moderately-sized ant (workers 4.5-5mm), standard formicarium dimensions are appropriate, avoid overly large chambers as this can make it difficult for the ants to maintain proper humidity gradients. An outworld for foraging is essential. Use standard escape prevention measures, while not tiny, they can still escape through small gaps. ^[2]

Feeding and Nutrition

Specific dietary preferences for M. carinata have not been documented, but Myrmicaria species are typically omnivorous like most members of the Solenopsidini tribe. Offer a varied diet including protein sources (small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworms) and sugar sources (honey water or sugar water). Given their tropical forest origin, they likely have regular access to honeydew from aphids and scale insects in the wild, so sugar sources should be available. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and ensure constant access to sugar water. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold issues.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

As a tropical species from the Indomalayan region, M. carinata requires warm temperatures, aim for 24-28°C. This aligns with their collection from lowland dipterocarp forests where temperatures are consistently warm year-round. A temperature gradient allowing workers to self-regulate is beneficial, use a heating cable on one side of the nest set to approximately 26-28°C while allowing the other side to be slightly cooler. Humidity needs are higher, target 70-80% relative humidity. The nest substrate should remain consistently moist but never waterlogged. Forest-dwelling ground ants are sensitive to drying out. Monitor condensation levels as an indicator of proper humidity. ^[1]

Colony Development and Growth

Specific development data for M. carinata is not available. Based on typical Myrmicinae development patterns at tropical temperatures (25-28°C), estimate approximately 6-8 weeks from egg to first worker (nanitic). The queen likely seals herself in a claustral chamber to raise the first brood, as is typical for most Myrmicaria species, though this specific founding behavior has not been documented. Colony size in the wild is unknown, related Myrmicaria species typically reach several hundred workers, but specific data for M. carinata is not available. Growth rate is estimated as moderate, typical for tropical Myrmicinae.

Frequently Asked Questions

References