Pseudomyrmex colei

Pseudomyrmex colei

Pseudomyrmex colei is a slender, elongated ant belonging to the Pseudomyrmecinae subfamily. Workers are typically 4-7mm with a distinctive long, narrow body shape. The genus Pseudomyrmex is commonly known as 'twig ants' because they naturally nest inside hollow plant stems, twigs, and bamboo cavities. This species is recorded from Peru, with the type locality in Ca ^[1]. Like other Pseudomyrmex species, they are fast-moving, alert ants with excellent vision. They are primarily predatory, hunting small insects and arthropods in their natural habitat.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Peru, found in tropical and subtropical forest environments where they nest in hollow plant stems and twigs
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, Pseudomyrmex species vary between single-queen and multi-queen colonies depending on the species
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 7-9mm based on genus patterns
  • Worker: Estimated 4-7mm based on genus patterns
  • Colony: Unknown for this species, related species typically reach several hundred workers
  • Growth: Moderate, based on genus patterns
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature based on related species (Development time inferred from genus-level data, specific timeline for P. colei unconfirmed)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep around 22-26°C, these are tropical ants that prefer warm conditions. A gentle gradient allows them to regulate temperature.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 60-80%. They naturally live in plant cavities which can have variable moisture. Keep nest substrate slightly moist but allow some drying between waterings.
  • Diapause: Likely minimal or no true diapause, being tropical, they probably slow down slightly in cooler months but don't require hibernation like temperate species
  • Nesting: Provide hollow nesting options, bamboo, twigs, or acrylic/nest boxes with narrow chambers that mimic their natural twig-nesting behavior. They prefer tight-fitting cavities over open spaces.
• Behavior: Pseudomyrmex ants are active foragers with good vision. Workers are alert and quick-moving. They are predatory by nature and will hunt small insects. They can be defensive when their nest is disturbed. Escape prevention is important, they are agile and can squeeze through small gaps. Their slender body allows them to access tight spaces.
• Common Issues: tropical species may struggle in cool rooms without heating, predatory diet requires consistent protein food sources, escape risk is moderate due to their slender body and agility, wild-caught colonies may arrive with parasites or pathogens, twig-nesting preference means standard test tubes may not be ideal, they prefer horizontal cavities

Housing and Nest Preferences

Pseudomyrmex colei is a twig-nesting ant, which means they naturally inhabit hollow plant stems, dead twigs, and bamboo. In captivity, you can provide natural nesting materials like hollow bamboo sections or twigs with the pith removed. Alternatively, acrylic nests with narrow horizontal chambers work well, the key is providing tight-fitting cavities that mimic their natural twig environment. Avoid large, open formicarium spaces, they prefer cramped, enclosed chambers. Test tubes can work for founding colonies but may need modification to provide the horizontal orientation they prefer.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Pseudomyrmex species, P. colei is primarily predatory. Feed them small live insects such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, small mealworms, and other tiny arthropods. They will likely accept protein-rich foods like bloodworms, fish flakes, and freeze-dried insects. Sugar sources may be accepted occasionally, you can offer a drop of honey or sugar water, but protein should be the primary food. Feed small prey items 2-3 times per week, adjusting based on how quickly the colony consumes them. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Humidity

These are tropical ants from Peru, so they prefer warm conditions. Maintain temperatures between 22-26°C for optimal colony health and brood development. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a temperature gradient they can regulate themselves. For humidity, aim for 60-80%, this is moderate and mimics the conditions inside plant stems in tropical environments. Keep the nest substrate slightly moist but allow it to partially dry between waterings. Avoid both overly wet and completely dry conditions.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Pseudomyrmex ants are active foragers with excellent vision, they will readily explore their outworld and hunt prey. Workers are alert and quick-moving. When disturbed, they may become defensive and could bite if they feel their nest is threatened. They are not typically aggressive toward humans but will defend their colony. Colony growth is moderate, expect several months before you see significant numbers. The colony will likely establish a foraging trail and become more active as they grow comfortable in their enclosure.

Frequently Asked Questions

References