Polyrhachis proxima

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to the Indomalaya region, including Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China (Yunnan, Guangxi, Fujian) ^[6][7]. Found in mixed deciduous and dry dipterocarp forests, as well as rubber plantations ^[3][2].
• Colony Type: Polygynous (multiple queens per colony) and polydomous (multiple connected nests) ^[4][5]. Colonies have multiple queens working together and maintain several nest sites.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: size data unavailable
  • Worker: 8-9mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Up to several hundred workers
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: Estimated 8-12 weeks] (Development time may vary with temperature, pupal cocoons are present ^[4].)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, around 24-28°C
  • Humidity: Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged
  • Diapause: No, this is a tropical species that does not require hibernation
  • Nesting: Naturally nests subterranean or in tree trunks ^[3], in captivity, use Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests with polydomous setup ^[4]
• Behavior: Workers are active foragers that use tandem running to recruit nestmates to food sources ^[8]. They collect honeydew and dead insects ^[8]. Defense involves biting and spraying formic acid, as they lack a functional sting (Formicinae subfamily). Escape risk is moderate due to their medium size, ensure tight-fitting lids and Fluon barriers.
• Common Issues: tropical species requires warm temperatures year-round, cold drafts can be fatal, polydomous nesting may require more space than single-nest species, habitat specialist may have specific substrate preferences, provide soil or plant material, can be attacked by army ants (Aenictus) in the wild, keep colony secure from other insects, zombie ant fungus (Ophiocordyceps) can parasitize this species in nature ^[10]

Housing and Nest Setup

You can keep Polyrhachis proxima in various setups. In the wild, they nest underground or in tree trunks ^[3], so a naturalistic setup with a soil chamber works well. Y-tong (AAC) nests are also suitable, especially with a moisture reservoir. Since they are polydomous ^[4], provide extra space or allow expansion into additional chambers. A nest depth of 10-15mm with chambers sized for 8-9mm workers is ideal. Maintain moderate humidity and a temperature gradient using a heating cable.

Feeding and Diet

You should offer sugar water or honey water regularly, as workers collect honeydew in nature ^[8]. Provide protein sources like mealworms or small crickets 2-3 times per week, as they scavenge dead insects ^[8]. Remove uneaten food after 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep the nest at 24-28°C year-round, as this is a tropical species. Do not provide diapause, as they do not hibernate. Use a heating cable for a gentle gradient and avoid cold drafts.

Colony Structure and Behavior

Your colony will have multiple queens working together ^[4] and maintain several connected nests ^[4][5]. Workers communicate through tandem running ^[8] and are not highly aggressive but will defend the nest. Escape prevention is important due to their medium size.

Growth and Development

Workers are 8-9mm long ^[1]. Pupae are enclosed in cocoons ^[4]. Development from egg to worker is estimated at 8-12 weeks at optimal temperature. Colony growth is moderate, with multiple queens potentially speeding initial growth.

Field Observations and Ecology

In the wild, this species is a habitat specialist found in rubber plantations ^[2] and urban green areas in Thailand ^[9]. It can be attacked by army ants ^[7] and parasitized by zombie ant fungus ^[10], though these are rare in captivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References