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

Polyrhachis hermione

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Polyrhachis hermione
Subgenus
Hedomyrma
Tribe
Camponotini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Emery, 1895
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Polyrhachis hermione is a medium-sized ant native to Borneo and the Philippines . It has spines on its body and is dark brown to black with a metallic sheen . As a Formicinae species, it uses formic acid for defense since it lacks a sting [taxonomic knowledge]. In the wild, it nests in vegetation, under bark, or in hollow twigs in tropical rainforests . This species is semi-arboreal, often living in elevated locations, which influences captive housing needs .

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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: Borneo and Philippines, tropical rainforest environments [1]. These ants live in humid, warm forest habitats where they typically nest in elevated locations like vegetation, under bark, or in rotting wood [2].
  • Colony Type: Likely monogyne based on Polyrhachis genus patterns, meaning single queen colonies.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements found. Inferred from Polyrhachis genus to be around 10-12 mm.
    • Worker: Inferred from Polyrhachis genus to be around 6-9 mm.
    • Colony: Up to 500 workers based on similar Polyrhachis species [2].
    • Growth: Moderate, inferred from genus patterns.
    • Development: Estimated 8-10 weeks at 24-28°C based on related Formicinae species [2]. (Development time is inferred since species-specific studies are unavailable.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, based on tropical species needs [2].
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as they are from humid forests [2].
    • Diapause: No, based on tropical range, no hibernation needed [1].
    • Nesting: Prefers naturalistic setups with moist substrate. Y-tong or plaster nests work well. Provide climbing structures due to semi-arboreal nature [2].
  • Behavior: Generally peaceful and not aggressive. Workers are active foragers with moderate escape risk due to size. They use formic acid spray for defense when threatened.
  • Common Issues: high humidity requirements can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, balance is essential, tropical species may struggle in air-conditioned rooms or cool climates, colonies can be slow to establish, leading keepers to overfeed and cause pest problems, wild-caught colonies may contain parasites that can devastate captive populations, semi-arboreal nature means they need vertical space and climbing structures

Housing and Nest Setup

Polyrhachis hermione does well in naturalistic setups. Use Y-tong or plaster nests with multiple chambers [2]. Include vertical elements for climbing due to semi-arboreal nature [2]. Start queens in test tubes, then transfer to formicarium when colony has 20-30 workers [2].

Feeding and Diet

These ants are omnivorous. Offer protein sources like insects twice weekly and sugar sources like honey water always available [2]. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Heating

Maintain temperatures between 24-28°C for optimal brood development [2]. Use heating cable on one side to create gradient.

Humidity Management

Keep humidity high by misting outworld or using water reservoir in nests [2]. Balance with ventilation to prevent mold.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Workers are active foragers, generally non-aggressive. They use formic acid spray for defense. Colonies grow moderately, reaching 50 workers in 6-12 months [2].

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Expect first workers to emerge in 8-10 weeks under optimal conditions of 24-28°C, based on related Formicinae species patterns [2].

Can I keep multiple Polyrhachis hermione queens together?

This species is likely monogyne, meaning single-queen colonies. Multiple queens may fight, but specific data is unavailable [2].

What temperature do Polyrhachis hermione ants need?

Keep them at roughly 24-28°C, based on tropical species needs [2].

How often should I feed Polyrhachis hermione?

Offer protein twice weekly and keep sugar sources available at all times [2]. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

Do Polyrhachis hermione need hibernation?

No, based on their tropical range, no hibernation is needed [1].

When should I move my colony to a formicarium?

Move from test tube setup once the colony reaches 20-30 workers [2].

Are Polyrhachis hermione good for beginners?

They are rated as medium difficulty, with challenges in maintaining humidity and temperature [2].

Why are my Polyrhachis hermione dying?

Common causes include low humidity, temperatures below 20°C, mold from poor ventilation, or parasites from wild-caught colonies [2].

How big do Polyrhachis hermione colonies get?

Colonies may reach up to 500 workers based on similar species [2].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .