Scientific illustration of Polyrhachis durbanensis (Durban Spiny Sugar Ant) - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Durban Spiny Sugar Ant

Polyrhachis durbanensis

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Polyrhachis durbanensis
Subgenus
Myrma
Tribe
Camponotini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Forel, 1914
Common Name
Durban Spiny Sugar Ant
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Polyrhachis durbanensis is a small to medium-sized ant from East Africa, found in Tanzania's Mkomazi Game Reserve in savannah habitats associated with acacia trees . Workers have distinctive spines, a finely striate first gastral tergite, and weakly convex eyes . Size data is unavailable from research, but inferred from the Polyrhachis genus to be around 5-7mm for workers. These ants are arboreal, nesting in trees or vegetation rather than underground.

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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: East Africa, specifically Tanzania (Mkomazi Game Reserve) in savannah habitats associated with acacia trees [1].
  • Colony Type: Based on Polyrhachis genus patterns, likely monogyne (single queen), but unconfirmed for this species.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable from research, inferred from Polyrhachis genus to be ~7-9mm
    • Worker: Size data unavailable from research, inferred from Polyrhachis genus to be ~5-7mm
    • Colony: Unknown, no data on colony size from research
    • Growth: Moderate, inferred from tropical Polyrhachis patterns
    • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at 25-28°C based on genus patterns (Development time is inferred, no specific data for this species)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, around 24-28°C, based on tropical origin [2]
    • Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity, keep substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged [2]
    • Diapause: No diapause required for tropical species [2]
    • Nesting: Arboreal nesting, provide vertical structures like twigs or bark [2]
  • Behavior: Generally peaceful and good climbers, active during daylight hours. Escape risk is moderate due to climbing ability [2].
  • Common Issues: cold temperatures can slow colony development, arboreal nature requires vertical space and climbing structures, escape prevention is important as they are good climbers, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites, slow founding phase may take months to establish

Housing and Nest Setup

Polyrhachis durbanensis is an arboreal species, nesting in trees or vegetation [1]. In captivity, provide vertical space with Y-tong nests or naturalistic setups using cork bark or twigs [2]. Keep nests angled or vertical, and ensure the outworld has climbing surfaces [2].

Feeding and Diet

These ants are omnivorous, accepting sugar sources like honey water and protein such as small insects [2]. Offer sugar continuously and protein 2-3 times per week, removing uneaten prey after 24 hours [2].

Temperature and Heating

Keep temperatures at 24-28°C for optimal health [2]. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest if room temperature is too low, but avoid direct heat underneath [2].

Humidity and Water

Maintain moderate humidity with a slightly moist substrate [2]. Provide a water tube for drinking and mist the outworld occasionally [2].

Behavior and Activity

Workers are diurnal and active climbers, generally peaceful [2]. They use chemical signals and tandem running for foraging [2].

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Estimated 6-10 weeks at 25-28°C based on genus patterns, but no specific data for this species [2].

Can I keep Polyrhachis durbanensis in a test tube?

Test tubes work for founding, but established colonies need vertical setups like Y-tong nests [2].

What temperature do Polyrhachis durbanensis need?

Keep them at 24-28°C, as they are tropical ants [2].

Are Polyrhachis durbanensis good for beginners?

Rated medium difficulty due to arboreal housing and temperature needs [2].

How big do Polyrhachis durbanensis colonies get?

Colony size is unknown from research, but inferred to be moderate based on genus patterns [2].

Do Polyrhachis durbanensis need hibernation?

No, as a tropical species, diapause is not required [2].

What do Polyrhachis durbanensis eat?

They eat sugar sources and protein, such as honey water and small insects [2].

Why are my Polyrhachis durbanensis dying?

Common causes include cold temperatures, poor escape prevention, or parasites in wild-caught colonies [2].

When should I move my colony to a formicarium?

Move when the colony has around 50-100 workers or when the test tube water is low [2].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .