Notoncus gilberti

Notoncus gilberti

Notoncus gilberti is a small ant species native to Australia and New Guinea, measuring 3-4mm in worker length ^[1]. This is the only species in the genus Notoncus known to occur outside Australia. Workers have a distinctive appearance with a brownish-red head and thorax, a blackish to dark brown gaster (abdomen), and yellowish markings on the thoracic sutures, knees, and gastric segment borders. The species is identified by its cornicles on the humeral angles and a raised, posteriorly lobate metanotum that sits above the level of the propodeum. These ants are nocturnal foragers, building small soil granule mounds in suburban gardens as their only daytime sign, making them a common but often unnoticed resident in Western Australian gardens.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Native to Australia (Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland) and New Guinea. Found in wetter parts of the southwest but also occurs across eastern Australia. These ants commonly colonize suburban gardens and are often found nesting under stones in disturbed areas ^[2][1].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Workers and a queen have been collected from nests under stones ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unconfirmed size, queens were described by Forel in 1895 but specific measurements not available ^[1]
  • Worker: 3-4mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available
  • Growth: Unknown, no development data available
  • Development: Unconfirmed, no direct development data for this species (Based on typical Formicinae patterns, expect 6-10 weeks at warm temperatures. Related Melophorini species suggest moderate growth rates.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature around 20-26°C. Their range includes both southwestern Australia and warmer eastern regions, suggesting they tolerate a broad temperature range ^[1].
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to slightly moist conditions. In their natural habitat of wetter southwestern Australia and suburban gardens, they likely tolerate variable humidity but benefit from some moisture in the nest substrate.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no specific data on overwintering requirements. Australian temperate ants typically benefit from a cool period in winter.
  • Nesting: Nests under stones in nature ^[1]. A naturalistic setup with flat stones or a Y-tong/plaster nest works well. Provide some soil or substrate material for them to manipulate, as they naturally build small soil granule mounds.
• Behavior: Nocturnal foragers, they remain hidden during the day and become active at night ^[2]. Workers are not particularly aggressive and are small enough that escape prevention is manageable. They are not known to sting and are considered peaceful colony residents. Their small size and nocturnal habits make them a low-maintenance species for antkeepers.
• Common Issues: nocturnal activity means you may not see much during daylight hours, this is normal behavior, not a problem, colony size data is unknown so growth expectations are uncertain, diapause requirements are unconfirmed, monitor colony behavior during winter months, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that affect captive survival

Housing and Nest Preferences

Notoncus gilberti naturally nests under stones, which gives you good options for captive housing. A Y-tong (acrylic) nest or plaster nest works well for this species. In the wild, they build small amorphous clumps from soil granules as their only daytime sign, so providing some loose substrate or fine soil in an outworld gives them natural enrichment. They are nocturnal, so placing the nest in a location with natural light cycles helps maintain their natural activity patterns. A small water tube connected to the nest provides humidity without flooding the colony. ^[2][1]

Feeding and Diet

As a Formicinae species, Notoncus gilberti likely has a varied diet similar to related ants in the Melophorini tribe. They probably accept sugar sources (honey water, sugar water) and protein (small insects like fruit flies, mealworms, crickets). Their small size means prey items should be appropriately sized, tiny insects and arthropods work better than large prey. In suburban gardens, they likely forage for honeydew from aphids and small insects. Offer sugar water continuously and protein prey 2-3 times per week. ^[1]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This species tolerates a broad temperature range given its distribution across both southwestern Australia (temperate) and eastern Australia (warmer). Keep them at room temperature, ideally between 20-26°C. A heating cable on one side of the nest can create a temperature gradient if your room runs cool. Since they are from Australia, a light winter cool period is likely beneficial, but specific diapause requirements are unconfirmed. Reduce feeding and keep them in a cool room (around 15-18°C) for 2-3 months during winter if the colony shows reduced activity. ^[2][1]

Behavior and Observation

Notoncus gilberti is a nocturnal species, meaning you'll see most activity in the evening and night hours ^[2]. During the day, the colony remains quietly in the nest, which can make them seem inactive, this is normal behavior, not a problem. Workers are small and relatively docile, making them easy to house with standard escape prevention. They are not known to be aggressive or to sting. Their distinctive appearance with the raised metanotum and cornicles makes them interesting to observe. The workers have a bicolored appearance: brownish-red head and thorax with a dark gaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

References