Scientific illustration of Polyrhachis callima ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Polyrhachis callima

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Polyrhachis callima
Subgenus
Hagiomyrma
Tribe
Camponotini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Kohout, 2013
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
AI Identifiable
try →

Introduction

Polyrhachis callima is a large ant species native to Queensland, Australia. Workers are 10.89-12.20 mm long , black with dark reddish-brown mandibles, and covered in abundant golden and silvery hairs, with long hairs exceeding eye diameter . The name means 'beautiful' in Greek. They nest in soil under wood, stones, or grass tufts . This species is ground-nesting and often sympatric with Polyrhachis conciliata . Wild colonies are moderate in size, with the holotype containing 129 individuals including a queen and male .

Loading distribution map...

Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Australia (Queensland), recorded from Expedition Range and Blackdown Tableland. Ground-nesting under wood, stones, or grass [1][2].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, based on holotype with one queen, but not definitive.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: ~12.25-12.60 mm [2]
    • Worker: 10.89-12.20 mm [1]
    • Colony: Up to 129 individuals in wild colonies [2]
    • Growth: Moderate, inferred from typical Polyrhachis patterns
    • Development: Estimated 8-12 weeks at optimal temperatures, inferred from genus patterns (Development time depends on temperature, warmer conditions speed up growth.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, inferred from Australian habitat [2]
    • Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity, keep nest substrate moist but not waterlogged, based on ground-nesting behavior [2]
    • Diapause: Unknown, no data on hibernation needs
    • Nesting: Prefer soil-based nests with chambers under wood or stone, mimics natural nesting [2][1]. Use Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests with soil substrate.
  • Behavior: Generally calm and non-aggressive. Workers are active foragers but not defensive. Escape risk is low due to size, standard prevention measures suffice.
  • Common Issues: temperatures below 22°C can stall colony development, overwatering can cause mold in the nest, wild-caught colonies may have parasites, cramped conditions can stress larger colonies

Housing and Nest Setup

Polyrhachis callima does well in Y-tong (AAC) nests or plaster formicariums. Because they are ground-nesting ants from Queensland, they prefer nests with some depth and soil-like conditions. A naturalistic setup with a soil chamber works particularly well, this mimics their natural nesting preferences under stones or wood [2][1]. Ensure the nest has chambers large enough for their workers to move comfortably. A water tube attached to the nest helps maintain humidity and provides drinking water.

Feeding and Diet

Like most Polyrhachis species, these ants are omnivorous. Offer a varied diet including sugar sources (honey water, sugar water) and protein (dead insects, mealworms, small crickets). They are not particularly aggressive hunters but will readily accept protein prey. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water available constantly. Remove uneaten food after 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Heating

As an Australian species from Queensland, Polyrhachis callima prefers warm conditions. Keep the nest area at 24-28°C for optimal activity and brood development. A small heating cable placed on one side of the nest creates a temperature gradient, allowing ants to regulate their own temperature. Room temperature (22-24°C) is acceptable but may result in slower activity. Avoid temperatures below 20°C for extended periods as this can stall colony development.

Humidity and Water

These ground-nesting ants need moderate to high humidity. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not soggy. A water tube connected to the nest provides both humidity and drinking water. Mist the outworld occasionally but avoid letting water pool in the nest. Good ventilation helps prevent mold while maintaining humidity. [2]

Colony Development

The holotype colony contained 129 individuals including a queen and male, suggesting wild colonies can reach moderate sizes [2]. Queens are large at 12.25-12.60 mm, similar in size to workers [2]. Development from egg to worker likely takes 8-12 weeks based on typical Polyrhachis patterns. Colonies should be given space to grow as they expand.

Behavior and Temperament

Polyrhachis callima is generally calm and less aggressive than many other Polyrhachis species. Workers are active foragers but typically won't attack aggressively when the nest is disturbed. They are not known for painful stings, while they have a stinger, it is rarely used and the pain is minimal for humans. They are not escape artists despite their size, so standard barrier methods work well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Polyrhachis callima to produce first workers?

Based on typical Polyrhachis development, expect first workers in approximately 8-12 weeks after the queen lays her first eggs. This timeline depends on temperature, warmer conditions speed development while cooler temperatures can delay it [1].

What do Polyrhachis callima ants eat?

They are omnivorous. Offer sugar water or honey water constantly, and protein (dead insects, mealworms, small crickets) 2-3 times per week. Remove uneaten food after 24 hours to prevent mold.

What temperature do Polyrhachis callima need?

Keep them at 24-28°C. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a gradient. They can tolerate room temperature (22-24°C) but may be less active.

Are Polyrhachis callima good for beginners?

They are rated as medium difficulty. They require warm conditions and moderate humidity, but their calm temperament makes them manageable. They are not as aggressive as some Polyrhachis species.

How big do Polyrhachis callima colonies get?

The holotype colony had 129 individuals, and wild colonies likely reach several hundred at maturity. They are a moderately sized Polyrhachis species.

Do Polyrhachis callima need hibernation?

No data is available on hibernation needs. As a Queensland species, they experience mild winters, so a true hibernation may not be required.

What size nest do I need for Polyrhachis callima?

Use a nest with chambers large enough for 12mm ants. Y-tong (AAC) nests or plaster formicariums work well. A naturalistic setup with soil is also suitable. Ensure adequate space for colony growth.

Can I keep multiple queens together?

Polyrhachis callima colony type is unconfirmed, but based on holotype with one queen, it may be single-queen. Combining unrelated queens is not recommended as they may fight. If you obtain multiple foundress queens, house them separately.

Why is my Polyrhachis callima colony not growing?

Check temperature (should be 24-28°C), humidity (should be consistently moist but not wet), and food quality. Low temperatures and poor nutrition are common causes of stalled development.

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please , it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References

Creative Commons License

This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .