Lathidris melina

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Native to central Mexico, specifically Morelos state near Cuernavaca. The type locality is at approximately 19°09'N,99°11'W, in a mountainous region. Habitat details are not documented in available literature ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed. No data exists on colony structure for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no queen measurements have been published.
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, no specific measurements of workers have been published.
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists for this species.
  • Growth: Unknown, no growth data exists for this species.
  • Development: Unknown, no development data exists for this species. (No direct data exists. Related Camponotus species typically produce first workers within 6-8 weeks under optimal conditions, but this is unconfirmed for Lathidris melina.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unknown, no temperature data exists for this species. Based on the species' origin in central Mexico, a range of 20-28°C during the active season may be appropriate, but this is unconfirmed.
  • Humidity: Unknown, no humidity data exists for this species.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no diapause data exists for this species. Central Mexico experiences cool winters, so a diapause period may be beneficial, but this is unconfirmed.
  • Nesting: Unknown, no specific nesting data exists for this species. Based on related Camponotus species in the montivagus complex, they may nest in rotting wood, under stones, or in soil cavities.
• Behavior: No specific behavioral observations have been published. As a member of Formicinae, they lack a functional sting but may bite and spray formic acid if disturbed. Workers probably forage individually for honeydew and small insects. Escape risk is moderate, use standard ant barrier methods.
• Common Issues: this species has never been kept in captivity before, expect a learning curve with no established protocols., no published care guides exist, so all advice is speculative., wild-caught colonies may be extremely difficult to find given their limited known range., without known nuptial flight timing, establishing a captive breeding program will require experimentation., colony failure is possible during the first year as you discover what this species needs.

Species Discovery and Taxonomy

Lathidris melina was originally described in 1997 by William and Emma Mackay as Lathidris melina, part of the montivagus species complex within the Camponotus subgenus Myrmentoma. The species was described from a series of workers collected in November 1946 near Cuernavaca in Morelos, Mexico, and it has never been collected again since that initial discovery. This makes it one of the rarest ant species in the world, known only from the original type specimens housed in various museums ^[1].

In 2025,phylogenetic research led by Ward, Fisher, and colleagues reclassified this species into the genus Lathidris, which is part of the Camponotini tribe alongside the familiar carpenter ants (Camponotus). The species can be distinguished from similar species by its pale coloration and the distinctly rounded profile of the propodeum. The ventral margin of the median lobe of the clypeus is broadly and evenly convex ^[1].

Housing and Nesting

Since no published information exists on this species' natural nesting preferences, keepers must rely on inference from related Camponotus species in the montivagus complex. These ants are typically found in mountainous regions of central Mexico, suggesting they prefer cool to moderate temperatures with access to sheltered nesting sites. A Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster formicarium works well as a starting point.

The outworld should include a water tube for drinking access and a substrate that allows for some moisture retention without becoming waterlogged. Because nothing is known about their specific nesting materials, providing multiple options, a dry area, a slightly moist area, and a humid chamber, lets the colony choose what works best. Observe where workers spend the most time to guide future setup decisions.

Feeding and Diet

No specific dietary studies exist for Lathidris melina. As a member of the Camponotini tribe, it likely has a typical ant diet: honeydew from aphids and scale insects, nectar from flowers, and small insects for protein. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey as a constant energy source, and protein sources like mealworms, small crickets, or other feeder insects every few days.

Start with standard Camponotus fare and adjust based on colony acceptance and health. Keep a detailed log of what works and what does not, this information will be valuable for the antkeeping community.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Central Mexico around Cuernavaca experiences a subtropical highland climate with moderate temperatures year-round. Based on this geographic origin, a range of 20-28°C during the active season may be appropriate. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a gradient allowing workers to self-regulate their temperature.

Winter care is uncertain since no specific data exists. Central Mexico experiences cool winters, so a diapause period may be beneficial. Consider reducing temperatures to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter. During this period, reduce feeding significantly but maintain water access.

Challenges of Keeping Rare Species

Lathidris melina presents unique challenges that set it apart from more common ant species. First, no established care protocols exist, everything keepers learn will be new information contributed to the hobby. Second, obtaining a colony may prove extremely difficult since the species has only been collected once and from a very limited range. Wild-caught queens would need to be found during their nuptial flight, but even the timing of flights is unknown.

Third, even if you obtain a colony, expect high mortality during the first year as you discover what this species needs. Document everything: what foods they accept, what temperatures they prefer, where they choose to nest within your setup. Consider connecting with other advanced antkeepers who might be working with this or related species to share observations. The difficulty level is Expert, this is not a species for beginners or even intermediate keepers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References