Polyrhachis revoili

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Hard
• Origin & Habitat: Afrotropical region: Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Gabon. Found in southern savannah at elevations from 110m to 640m ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, no scientific documentation on colony structure ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements provided.
  • Worker: 6.1-6.5mm ^[1].
  • Colony: Unknown, no wild colony data exists ^[1].
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, no species-specific data. Based on Formicine patterns, likely 6-10 weeks at warm temperatures. (Development is unconfirmed, observe colony response.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unknown, based on African savannah distribution, aim for warm conditions around 24-28°C with a gradient.
  • Humidity: Unknown, provide a humidity gradient with moist substrate but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Unknown, African savannah species may not require full hibernation, consider a cool period in winter.
  • Nesting: No documented preferences. Based on related species, soil or under stones in wild, for captivity, Y-tong or plaster nests with chambers.
• Behavior: No behavioral studies. Based on genus patterns, likely moderate foragers with defensive spines. As Formicines, they spray formic acid for defense. Escape risk moderate due to 6mm size ^[1].
• Common Issues: no documented care history means unexpected requirements, be prepared to experiment ^[1]., lack of colony size data makes nest upgrades difficult ^[1]., unknown founding behavior requires careful observation ^[1]., diet acceptance may need trial and error., risk of fungal infection, keep environment clean ^[3].

Appearance and Identification

Workers are 6.1-6.5mm long with a robust body, spines on the pronotum, propodeum, and petiole, and abundant white to greyish hairs ^[1]. The body is uniformly black, with legs sometimes brownish ^[1]. Queens are similar but with reduced spines ^[1].

Distribution and Habitat

This species is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Gabon ^[1]. It prefers southern savannah regions and has been collected at elevations from 110m to 640m in Gabon ^[2].

Known Biology and Research Gaps

Nothing is known about colony structure, founding behavior, or care requirements ^[1]. The only biological note is that it is parasitized by Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, the zombie ant fungus, in Africa ^[3].

Starting a Colony

Since no documented care exists, start with a claustral founding approach in a test tube setup, kept stable at around 24-26°C. After workers emerge, offer sugar water and small protein sources. Monitor colony activity and adjust conditions based on response.

Feeding and Nutrition

No specific diet data exists. Based on genus patterns, they likely accept sugar water and small insects. Offer sugar water constantly and protein 2-3 times weekly, removing uneaten food promptly.

Nest Setup and Housing

No documented nesting preferences. Use Y-tong or plaster nests with chambers scaled to their size. Provide a humidity gradient and an outworld for foraging. Standard escape prevention is advisable due to their 6mm size ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References