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

Polyrhachis rere

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Polyrhachis rere
Subgenus
Chariomyrma
Tribe
Camponotini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Mann, 1919
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Polyrhachis rere is a tropical ant species native to the Solomon Islands, specifically recorded from Makira and Guadalcanal islands . Workers have a typical Polyrhachis appearance with spines on the mesosoma, and size data is unavailable for this species, but Polyrhachis ants generally range from 5-15 mm in total length. As a Formicinae ant, they lack a stinger and defend themselves by spraying formic acid, a common trait in their subfamily. They are arboreal, nesting in trees or hollow twigs in tropical forests.

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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: Solomon Islands (Makira, Guadalcanal) in tropical forest environments [1].
  • Colony Type: Based on genus patterns, likely monogyne (single-queen colonies), but this is unconfirmed for P. rere.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, but inferred from Polyrhachis genus as ~8-12 mm total length.
    • Worker: Size data unavailable, but inferred from Polyrhachis genus as ~5-8 mm total length.
    • Colony: Estimated up to several hundred workers at maturity, based on related species.
    • Growth: Moderate
    • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at tropical temperatures (25-28°C), inferred from genus patterns. (Development time is inferred, specific data for P. rere is not documented.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, around 25-28°C, as inferred from tropical habitat. No specific data exists for this species.
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as these ants prefer humid conditions. No specific data exists.
    • Diapause: No diapause required, as a tropical species from the Solomon Islands.
    • Nesting: Arboreal specialists, prefer nests with climbing structures like Y-tong or natural bark, inferred from genus behavior.
  • Behavior: Generally calm and non-aggressive toward keepers. As Formicinae, they can spray formic acid when threatened, which is mild. Escape risk is moderate due to climbing ability, ensure enclosures have tight lids.
  • Common Issues: high humidity requirements can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, balance airflow carefully., warm temperatures year-round are essential, cooler conditions slow colony development., arboreal nesting means they may not accept soil-based formicariums, provide climbing structures., wild-caught colonies may carry parasites, quarantine new colonies if possible., small initial colony sizes make founders vulnerable, avoid disturbing the queen during founding.

Housing and Nest Setup

Polyrhachis rere is arboreal, so provide nests that mimic tree hollows, such as Y-tong (AAC) nests or natural bark setups. Use a test tube for founding queens, then transition to a proper nest once the colony grows. The outworld should include climbing structures like branches or mesh [2].

Feeding and Diet

Offer a varied diet: sugar water or honey for energy, and small insects like fruit flies for protein 2-3 times per week. Remove uneaten food after 24 hours to prevent mold [2].

Temperature and Humidity

Maintain warm temperatures around 25-28°C and high humidity by keeping the nest substrate moist. Create a temperature gradient using a heating cable on top of the nest [1].

Seasonal Care

No diapause is needed, maintain consistent warmth and humidity year-round. Avoid temperature swings to prevent stress.

Behavior and Handling

These ants are calm and may spray formic acid when threatened. Ensure enclosures have tight lids to prevent escapes due to their climbing ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep Polyrhachis rere in a test tube?

Yes, for founding queens, but transition to an arboreal nest as the colony grows [2].

How long does it take for Polyrhachis rere to raise first workers?

Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperatures, inferred from genus patterns.

Are Polyrhachis rere good for beginners?

Medium difficulty due to tropical requirements and arboreal nesting, better for keepers with some experience.

What temperature do Polyrhachis rere need?

Keep them warm, around 25-28°C, as inferred from their tropical habitat.

Do Polyrhachis rere need hibernation?

No, as a tropical species, they do not require diapause.

How big do Polyrhachis rere colonies get?

Estimated up to several hundred workers at maturity, based on related species.

Can I keep multiple Polyrhachis rere queens together?

Not recommended, as they are likely monogyne, combining queens may lead to fighting.

What do Polyrhachis rere eat?

They are omnivorous, offer sugar water and small insects for protein.

Why is my Polyrhachis rere colony dying?

Common causes include low temperatures, poor humidity, disturbance during founding, or mold from poor ventilation.

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .