Polyrhachis cheesmanae

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Tropical forested regions, arboreal nesting with silk ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, but likely single-queen based on genus patterns ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: size unknown, inferred from Polyrhachis genus (~10-12 mm)
  • Worker: size unknown, inferred from Polyrhachis genus (~6-9 mm)
  • Colony: Up to several hundred workers, estimated from related Polyrhachis species
  • Growth: Moderate, estimated based on genus patterns
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on genus patterns (Development time is estimated from genus-level data since species-specific studies are not available)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly low-to-mid 20s°C, as tropical species. No specific data in research context.
  • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as arboreal species.
  • Diapause: Unknown, tropical species may not require diapause.
  • Nesting: Arboreal nesting with silk ^[1][2].
• Behavior: As a Formicinae ant, they lack a functional sting and spray formic acid when threatened. Generally calm and non-aggressive. Arboreal, so provide vertical space. Escape risk moderate due to climbing ability. Workers spin cocoons around pupae, which is unusual among Formicinae ants ^[1][2].
• Common Issues: arboreal nature means they need vertical space and climbing surfaces, a flat test tube setup won't work., cocoon-spinning means they need more space and appropriate materials for pupal development., tropical species are sensitive to temperature drops, cold rooms can kill colonies., limited species-specific information means keepers must adapt care based on colony response., silk-nesting behavior requires providing appropriate materials, plain acrylic nests may not be ideal.

Housing and Nest Setup

Polyrhachis cheesmanae requires an arboreal-focused setup rather than a typical ground-based ant enclosure. These ants naturally nest in elevated locations among vegetation, using silk to bind leaves, twigs, or other materials into protective chambers ^[1][2]. In captivity, Y-tong (AAC) nests work well because they provide smooth walls that prevent escapes while allowing you to add twigs or cork pieces for the ants to modify. Alternatively, a naturalistic setup with cork bark, small branches, and live or artificial plants gives them the materials they need to create silk-bound nests. The outworld should include climbing structures like twigs, mesh, or plants since these ants prefer to travel vertically. Ensure all connections between the nest and outworld have excellent escape prevention, while not tiny, they are agile climbers.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Polyrhachis species, these ants are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. Offer sugar water or honey as a constant energy source, they readily consume sweet liquids. For protein, provide small insects like fruit flies, small crickets, or mealworms. In nature, they forage for honeydew from aphids and scale insects, so occasional sweet treats are appreciated. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Being tropical, they tend to be year-round active and will continue eating throughout winter if kept warm.

Temperature and Heating

As a tropical species, Polyrhachis cheesmanae requires warm conditions to thrive. Keep the nest area warm, roughly low-to-mid 20s°C, for optimal brood development. Room temperature may suffice in warm summer months, but a heating cable or heating mat on one side of the nest helps maintain consistent warmth during cooler periods. Place the heating element on top of the nest rather than underneath to avoid evaporating moisture too quickly. Monitor the nest with a thermometer to ensure temperatures stay in range. Cold drafts or temperatures below 20°C for extended periods can weaken and potentially kill colonies.

Humidity and Moisture

These arboreal ants prefer moderate to high humidity that mimic the damp conditions of tropical forests. Keep the nest substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged, the substrate should feel damp to the touch without standing water. Being arboreal, they are somewhat more tolerant of varying humidity than ground-nesting species, but drying out can still be harmful. A small water reservoir in the nest setup helps maintain humidity. Mist the outworld occasionally, especially if you notice workers clustering near moisture sources.

Unique Cocoon-Spinning Behavior

One distinctive trait of Polyrhachis cheesmanae is that they spin cocoons around their pupae, which is unusual among Formicinae ants (most have naked pupae) ^[1][2]. This means you need to ensure the nest has appropriate spaces for pupal development. Avoid setups with very tight chambers that could crush developing pupae. When workers emerge from cocoons, they may need slightly more time to harden their exoskeletons before becoming fully active. This behavior also means cleaning may be slightly more involved as you might find shed cocoon casings in the nest.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References