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

Polyrhachis reidi

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Polyrhachis reidi
Subgenus
Campomyrma
Tribe
Camponotini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Kohout, 2007
Distribution
Found in 0 countries

Introduction

Polyrhachis reidi is a medium-sized ant species native to Borneo, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Workers measure about 9mm total length, and queens are slightly smaller at approximately 8.5mm. They have a polished black body with reddish-brown markings on the gaster, medium reddish-brown legs, and long slender antennae. The mesosoma is longitudinally striated, giving a textured appearance . This species is poorly studied, with little known about its biology in the wild, such as colony structure or diet .

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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: Expert
  • Origin & Habitat: Borneo, Indonesia, and Malaysia in lowland tropical rainforest areas, such as Kalimantan Barat and Sabah [1][2].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, colony structure has not been documented [1].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: ~8.5mm (TL c.8.52) [1]
    • Worker: ~9mm (TL c.9.17) [1]
    • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists [1]
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unknown, no development data exists. Based on typical Polyrhachis patterns, estimated 6-10 weeks at tropical temperatures. (Development timeline is unconfirmed, observe your colony for actual timing.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Unknown, based on Borneo distribution, aim for warm conditions around 24-28°C with a thermal gradient [1].
    • Humidity: Unknown, Borneo is humid, so keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged [1].
    • Diapause: Unknown, Borneo has no true winter, so diapause is unlikely.
    • Nesting: Not documented, based on Campomyrma subgenus patterns, likely arboreal. Use Y-tong, plaster, or naturalistic setups with vertical spaces [2].
  • Behavior: Not documented for this species. Polyrhachis ants are generally active climbers, so escape prevention is critical despite their large size.
  • Common Issues: lack of documented care may lead to colony loss through trial and error., founding queens may be difficult due to unknown behavior., escape risk from climbing ability despite large size., unknown diet preferences may require experimentation.

Appearance and Identification

Polyrhachis reidi workers are about 9mm total length with a polished black body, reddish-brown blotching on the gaster, and medium reddish-brown legs. The antennae are long and slender, and the mesosoma has longitudinal striations. The petiole has small upturned teeth. Queens are slightly smaller at about 8.5mm but share similar coloration and sculpturing [1].

Housing and Nest Setup

Since natural nesting preferences are unknown, experiment based on Campomyrma subgenus patterns, which suggest arboreal or semi-arboreal nesting. Use a naturalistic setup with cork bark or twigs, or a Y-tong or plaster nest with chambers scaled to their 9mm size. Ensure the nest retains moisture and has excellent escape prevention due to their climbing ability [2].

Feeding and Diet

Diet preferences are completely unknown. Based on general Polyrhachis habits, offer sugar sources like honey water and protein like small live insects. Experiment to see what your colony accepts, and always provide fresh water.

Temperature and Humidity

No specific data exists, but based on Borneo's tropical rainforest climate, aim for 24-28°C with a thermal gradient and keep humidity moderate to high with moist substrate [1].

Colony Founding

Founding behavior is unconfirmed. If you obtain a queen, provide a small, dark, humid chamber and leave her undisturbed. Do not offer food unless she leaves, indicating semi-claustral behavior [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The development timeline is unknown. Based on typical Polyrhachis patterns, estimated 6-10 weeks at tropical temperatures, but this is unconfirmed.

What do Polyrhachis reidi ants eat?

Diet preferences are not documented. They likely accept sugar sources and protein, but experimentation is needed.

Are Polyrhachis reidi good for beginners?

No, this species is not recommended for beginners due to lack of documented care requirements.

What temperature do Polyrhachis reidi need?

Temperature requirements are unknown. Based on Borneo origin, aim for 24-28°C with a gradient [1].

Do Polyrhachis reidi need hibernation?

Diapause requirements are unknown and likely minimal, as Borneo has no winter.

Can I keep multiple Polyrhachis reidi queens together?

Colony structure is unknown, so combining queens is not recommended [1].

How big do Polyrhachis reidi colonies get?

Maximum colony size is unknown, no wild data exists [1].

What type of nest should I use for Polyrhachis reidi?

Optimal nest type is unknown, but based on subgenus patterns, arboreal setups are likely [2].

Where is Polyrhachis reidi found in the wild?

This species is found only in Borneo, specifically West Kalimantan and Sabah, in lowland tropical rainforest [1][2].

Is Polyrhachis reidi aggressive?

Aggression levels are not documented, but Polyrhachis ants are generally not highly aggressive.

Why is so little known about Polyrhachis reidi?

This species was described in 2007 and is known from few specimens, so biology is poorly studied [1].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .