Monomorium chiense

Name: Monomorium chinense
Origin: East Asia (mainly China)
Queen: approx. 5 – 6 mm
Workers: approx. 2 – 3 mm
Diet: Carbohydrates (e.g. honey, sugar water), proteins (small insects like fruit flies, springtails)
Humidity:
• Arena: 40 – 60 %
• Nest: 50 – 70 %
Temperature:
• Arena: 22 – 26 °C
• Nest: 24 – 28 °C
Hibernation: No
Nest type: Plaster, Ytong or acrylic/3D nests with small chambers are very suitable
Colony size: Up to 10,000 workers

Advantages and Disadvantages of the species Monomorium chinense

Advantages:
Monomorium chinense is extremely small, very active, and exhibits fascinating swarming behavior. The colony grows quickly and has a strong appetite. Observing them at high colony densities is particularly exciting. Ideal for experienced keepers who enjoy observing the smallest species.

Disadvantages:
Due to their small size, increased escape prevention is crucial – they easily find gaps. Colony size can quickly become overwhelming. Additionally, they are sometimes photophobic and shy when disturbed.

Keeping

Monomorium chinense can be kept well with adequate security and a small food supply. In the founding phase, a test tube with a mini arena (approx. 10×10 cm) is sufficient. Later, closely structured nests with many small chambers are recommended, e.g., plaster or acrylic with micro-drilling. The arena should be at least 20×20 cm and absolutely escape-proof.

They are active day and night and show particularly interesting behavior in larger colony numbers.
This species is also well suited for permanent keeping in test tubes.

Feeding

This species is very voracious.
Provide proteins every 2–3 days (e.g., fruit flies, springtails, soft insects).