How big is Diacamma rugosum?

Queen: N/A (gamergate) — Workers: 10-13.

How long does a Diacamma rugosum queen live?

A Diacamma rugosum queen lives approximately 2-4 (gamergate).

How does Diacamma rugosum found a colony?

Foundation type: Colony budding — Polygynous: N/A.

What temperature and humidity does Diacamma rugosum require?

Temperature: 24-30 — Humidity: 70-85.

Is Diacamma rugosum suitable for beginners?

Difficulty level: 4/5 (advanced).

Diacamma rugosum

Scientific name

Diacamma rugosum

Origin

India, South-East Asia

Natural climate

Humid tropical

Queen size

N/A (gamergate)

Worker size

10-13

Queen lifespan

2-4 (gamergate)

Founding

Colony budding

Polygynous

N/A

Diet

Insects, fruit

Hibernation

Humidity

70-85

Temperature

24-30

Max colony size

50-300

Difficulty

The queenless ant

Diacamma rugosum is one of the most singular species in the ant world: it has no queen. Instead, a dominant worker called a gamergate handles reproduction.

All females are born with small thoracic appendages called “gemmae”. On maturing, the gamergate tears off the gemmae of the other females, sterilising them. The only way for a worker to become a gamergate in turn is for the previous one to die while she keeps her own gemmae intact.

A unique social system

Diacamma is one of the very few ants with no queen caste. The social hierarchy is entirely behavioural, not morphological. The gamergate looks physically identical to all the other workers — only her role changes. A fascinating system to observe in captivity.

Reproduction by budding

No nuptial flight: the colony reproduces by fission. When the number of workers reaches a threshold, a group splits off with a new gamergate and founds a satellite colony a few metres away. No winged males are produced regularly — only under stress.

Modest colonies (50-300 workers), with hunting behaviour and a carnivorous-omnivorous diet. The workers are fast, agile, with an unpleasant sting.

Start only with a colony

You cannot start Diacamma with a single ‘queen’ — there isn’t one. You have to acquire a colony portion (gamergate + 30-50 workers + brood) from a specialist supplier. Check that the gamergate is present before buying.

Keeping

Humid tropical: 24-30°C, humidity 70-85%. No hibernation. A plaster nest with wide cavities. An outworld rich in hiding spots. Feeding: live or thawed insects, occasionally fruit. An expert species; starting with a colony is mandatory. A unique observation for anyone interested in social evolution.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Diacamma rugosum?: Queen: N/A (gamergate) — Workers: 10-13.
How long does a Diacamma rugosum queen live?: A Diacamma rugosum queen lives approximately 2-4 (gamergate).
How does Diacamma rugosum found a colony?: Foundation type: Colony budding — Polygynous: N/A.
What does Diacamma rugosum eat?: Diet: Insects, fruit.
Does Diacamma rugosum need a diapause (hibernation)?: Diapause: No.
What temperature and humidity does Diacamma rugosum require?: Temperature: 24-30 — Humidity: 70-85.
How large does a Diacamma rugosum colony grow?: Colony size: 50-300.
Is Diacamma rugosum suitable for beginners?: Difficulty level: 4/5 (advanced).