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

Polyrhachis schellerichae

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Polyrhachis schellerichae
Subgenus
Myrmhopla
Tribe
Camponotini
Subfamily
Formicinae
Author
Dorow, 1996
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Polyrhachis schellerichae is a tropical ant species native to Malaysia, with workers up to 9.8 mm and queens up to 13.6 mm in total length . It belongs to the hector-group within the subgenus Myrmhopla and is found in West Malaysia, nesting exclusively inside giant bamboo culms . A key feature is its polydomous colony structure, where a single colony occupies multiple bamboo internodes and maintains a symbiotic relationship with mealybugs for honeydew feeding .

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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: Tropical rainforests of West Malaysia, Ulu Gombak area at 240-500 meters elevation [1].
  • Colony Type: Polydomous colonies with multiple nest sites, monogyne (single queen) [4][1].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: ~13.1 mm [1]
    • Worker: ~9.3 mm [1]
    • Colony: Up to 7203 workers [1]
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unknown, no specific data (Research does not specify development timeline)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, based on tropical habitat [1].
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist, mimicking bamboo internodes [1].
    • Diapause: No, tropical species do not require hibernation [1].
    • Nesting: Obligate bamboo dweller, provide artificial bamboo sections or PVC tubes sized to natural internodes (approx. 8 cm diameter) [2][1].
  • Behavior: Diurnal and subordinate, will retreat from conflicts [1]. Workers forage individually and use trail pheromones for recruitment [1].
  • Common Issues: Providing suitable nesting is extremely difficult due to obligate bamboo dwelling [2], Maintaining mealybug colonies for trophobiosis is challenging [1], Polydomous structure requires multiple connected chambers [1], High humidity needs can lead to mold if not managed [1], Tropical species cannot tolerate low temperatures [1]

The Bamboo Dwelling Specialization

Polyrhachis schellerichae is an obligate bamboo dweller, nesting inside hollow internodes of giant bamboo [2]. Colonies are polydomous, occupying multiple culms connected by worker trails [1]. In captivity, provide artificial bamboo sections or PVC tubes sized to natural dimensions (approx. 8 cm diameter) [2][1].

Trophobiosis and Feeding

This species maintains trophobiosis with mealybugs inside nests, feeding on honeydew [1]. In captivity, offer sugar water as a substitute, as replicating mealybug colonies is difficult [1].

Colony Structure and Behavior

Colonies are monogyne with a single queen, despite producing alate queens [4]. Workers are diurnal, subordinate, and use trail pheromones for recruitment [1].

Temperature and Environmental Needs

As a tropical species, keep temperatures warm (24-28°C) and humidity high, mimicking bamboo internode conditions [1]. No diapause is required [1].

Nesting in Captivity

Provide connected bamboo or PVC sections to support polydomous structure [2][1]. Nest interiors should not be lined, as ants do not modify bamboo walls [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep Polyrhachis schellerichae in a regular formicarium?

No, this species is an obligate bamboo dweller and requires artificial bamboo sections or PVC tubes [2][1].

What do Polyrhachis schellerichae eat?

Their primary food is honeydew from mealybugs, in captivity, offer sugar water as a substitute [1].

How big do Polyrhachis schellerichae colonies get?

Mature colonies can have up to 7203 workers [1].

Do they need hibernation or diapause?

No, as a tropical species, they do not require hibernation [1].

How do I provide the mealybugs they need?

This is challenging, many keepers use sugar water instead of replicating mealybug colonies [1].

Are Polyrhachis schellerichae good for beginners?

No, this is an expert-level species due to specialized housing and care needs [1].

How many queens does a colony have?

Colonies are monogyne, with a single queen [4].

When do alates appear in the colony?

Alates are produced year-round in tropical conditions, but specific timing is not documented [1].

How do I connect multiple nest sections?

Use tubes to connect bamboo or PVC sections, allowing worker traffic between chambers [1].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .