Technical Sheet: Pseudoponera rufipes
Common Name: Pseudoponera Ant
Scientific Name: Pseudoponera rufipes
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Ponerinae
Description
Pseudoponera rufipes is a medium-sized ant known for its solitary and aggressive nature. It is distinguished by its reddish-colored legs (hence the name rufipes, which means “red feet”) and a dark body, usually black or dark brown. They have a visible and effective stinger, providing formidable defensive capabilities. These ants are uncommon in most collections and are typically observed in tropical habitats.
Key Characteristics
- Size: Workers range from 8 mm to 11 mm.
- Color: Body is black to dark brown, with reddish legs.
- Stinger: Yes, present and functional.
- Mandibles: Strong and adapted for hunting small insects and other arthropods.
- Habitat: Prefers tropical and subtropical habitats, favoring humid areas with low light.
- Behavior: Solitary predator, primarily nocturnal.
- Distribution: Found in Central and South America, especially in forested areas.
Care in Captivity
- Type of Ant Farm: A farm with sufficient humidity and dark zones is recommended, preferably with a substrate that allows digging.
- Temperature: 22°C – 28°C.
- Humidity: High, between 60% and 80%.
- Diet: Primarily insectivorous. Feeds on small live or dead arthropods, such as small crickets or flies.
- Aggressiveness: This species is aggressive and territorial. Handling them without caution is not advised.
- Reproduction: The queen is monogynous, and the colony typically does not exceed 100 workers. The queen is responsible for most tasks until the workers emerge.
