Polyrhachis follicula

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Philippines (Indomalaya Region), tropical arboreal forest habitat ^[2][1]
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, but likely monogyne (single-queen colonies) based on typical Polyrhachis patterns.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements provided in literature.
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements provided in literature.
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available.
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, no direct development data available for this species. (Development timeline is unconfirmed. Tropical species may develop faster due to warm conditions.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, based on tropical distribution. Start with this range and observe colony activity.
  • Humidity: Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, with good ventilation to prevent mold.
  • Diapause: No, tropical species from the Philippines do not require hibernation.
  • Nesting: Arboreal nesters. Prefer nests with textured surfaces they can bind with silk ^[1]. Use Y-tong, plaster, or naturalistic setups with cork bark and leaves.
• Behavior: Polyrhachis follicula is an arboreal forager that builds nests in trees. Workers are active but not particularly aggressive, they defend their nest using formic acid spray. Escape risk is moderate due to climbing ability, apply Fluon barriers. They are generally calm but may be skittish when disturbed.
• Common Issues: temperature drops below 22°C can slow activity and stress the colony., escape risk is present due to climbing ability, apply barriers and use tight-fitting lids., improper arboreal nesting setup may prevent colony establishment., poor humidity control can lead to mold or desiccation., lack of varied diet may affect colony health, offer sugar sources and protein insects.

Nesting and Housing

Polyrhachis follicula is an arboreal species that naturally nests in vegetation, using silk to bind together leaf litter and plant materials ^[1]. In captivity, provide arboreal-style housing such as Y-tong nests with roughened surfaces, plaster nests with texture, or naturalistic setups with cork bark and dried leaves ^[1]. Avoid smooth, enclosed spaces that don't allow silk-binding behavior. Include multiple chambers at different heights to mimic tree hollows.

Feeding and Diet

Specific dietary preferences are undocumented, but Polyrhachis species are typically omnivorous. Offer sugar water or honey as a constant energy source. For protein, provide small insects like fruit flies or mealworms. Observe colony preferences and adjust accordingly. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical species, maintain warm temperatures around 24-28°C. Use a heating cable for a gentle gradient. Humidity should be moderate, keep substrate moist but not waterlogged, with good ventilation to prevent mold.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Polyrhachis follicula forages arboreally and builds nests using silk ^[1]. Workers defend nests with formic acid spray. Colonies likely grow moderately, but specific rates are unknown. Pupae develop in cocoons ^[1].

Acquiring and Establishing Colonies

This species is not commonly available. If acquired, provide arboreal housing from the start. Founding behavior is unconfirmed, but queens may seal themselves in a chamber. Ensure humidity and warmth during establishment. Be patient, as colony growth may be slow.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References