Paratrechina longicornis
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Description
Paratrechina longicornis - Superfast Clone Army
Paratrechina longicornis, globally known as the Black Crazy Ant (BCA), is a true marvel in the animal kingdom. This species combines mesmerizing, lightning-fast locomotion with one of the most extraordinary reproductive systems ever documented by modern science. If you are looking for ants whose outworld is constantly buzzing with action, and whose colony exhibits unmatched vigor and biological immortality, this taxon represents a pinnacle of evolutionary adaptation.
In nature, these fascinating synanthropic ants have colonized almost all tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. Their incredible speed, unique erratic foraging biomechanics, and instant adaptability make them unrivaled explorers. This guide provides comprehensive biological knowledge and precise care guidelines to keep this colony safely and successfully.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille, 1802) |
| Common / trade name | Black Crazy Ant (BCA) |
| Distribution & origin | Pantropical (origin: Indian subcontinent / tropical Africa) |
| Queen size | 4.5 - 5.5 mm |
| Worker size | 2.3 - 3 mm (monomorphic) |
| Male size | 2.5 - 3.5 mm |
| Coloration | Dark brown to jet black with a bluish-lead iridescent sheen |
| Colony structure | Functional polygyny (multiple queens), polydomy, unicoloniality |
| Founding type | Claustral / budding / small split with workers |
| Colony size | Up to 10 000 workers per nest in nature forming supercolonies; unlimited in captivity |
| Development cycle | 22 - 37 days (approx. 3 - 5 weeks from egg to adult) |
| Hibernation / Diapause | None - non-hibernating ants (year-round development, no cold period needed) |
| Nest temperature | 20°C - 26°C (68°F - 79°F), optimal 24°C - 25°C (75°F - 77°F) |
| Outworld temperature | 22°C - 32°C (72°F - 90°F), optimal 26°C - 28°C (79°F - 82°F) |
| Nest humidity | 55% - 70% |
| Outworld humidity | 40% - 60% |
| Diet | Sugars (honey/sugar water), proteins (feeder insects; live feeder insects only for large colonies) |
| Recommended nest type | 3D printed nests, Ytong (aerated concrete), gypsum; test tube with outworld up to a few hundred workers |
| Care difficulty | Low - the only essential requirement is an escape-proof nest |
Unique Morphology and Locomotion
Workers are monomorphic, measuring 2.3 to 3 mm in length. Their slender, agile bodies range from dark brown to deep pitch black with subtle blue iridescence. Diagnostic long scapes exceed twice the distance from their base to the posterior head margin. Lacking a sting, their primary weapon is an acidopore dispensing formic acid.
Double-Clonal Reproduction System
Discovered by Dr. Morgan Pearcy's team, queens are produced through thelytokous parthenogenesis (100% maternal genetic clones), while males arise via androgenesis (100% paternal clones). Workers are sexual hybrids (F1). This mechanism avoids inbreeding depression and CSD barriers, allowing intra-nest mating and infinite colony renewal through budding.
Care, Nesting & Diet
Keep young colonies in a test tube setup connected to a small outworld until several hundred workers are reached. For larger colonies, tight 3D printed nests (<0.3 mm gaps) are recommended. Provide liquid sugars via small droplets or 3D printed feeders that allow workers to grip edges safely. Feed pre-killed soft insects to small colonies, and live feeder insects to mature colonies.
Escape Prevention
Apply dry talcum powder along the top rims or lip of the outworld walls. Fluon (PTFE) is not recommended.
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