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

Polyrhachis nigra

Monogin Non-Parasitic Queen Tidak Gamergate
Nama Ilmiah
Polyrhachis nigra
Subgenus
Myrma
Tribe
Camponotini
Subfamili
Formicinae
Penulis
Mayr, 1862
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Pendahuluan

Polyrhachis nigra is a medium-sized ant species native to Sri Lanka and the Moluccas (Indonesia) . Workers are black or dark brown with spines and hooks on the thorax and petiole, characteristic of the Polyrhachis genus . The queen was described by Mayr in 1862 . This species belongs to the subgenus Myrma, which includes arboreal and semi-arboreal nesting species .

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Status berdasarkan negara, dari Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Asli Invasif Introduksi (dalam ruangan) Dicegat Tidak diketahui
Sumber Data
Rentang Tahun 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Native to Sri Lanka and the Moluccas (Indonesia), inhabiting tropical forest environments [1][2].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, no specific data on queen number for this species.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, inferred from Polyrhachis genus patterns to be around 10-12mm
    • Worker: Size data unavailable, inferred from Polyrhachis genus patterns to be around 6-9mm
    • Colony: Up to several hundred workers, estimated based on related Polyrhachis species [3]
    • Growth: Moderate
    • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at tropical temperatures [3] (Development time is inferred from genus patterns as no species-specific data exists)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. These are tropical ants requiring warm, stable temperatures [3].
    • Humidity: Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged [3].
    • Diapause: No, these are tropical ants that remain active year-round [3].
    • Nesting: In nature, Polyrhachis species often nest in rotting wood or arboreal locations. For captivity, use Y-tong or plaster nests with narrow chambers [3].
  • Behavior: Polyrhachis nigra workers are active foragers and generally not aggressive but will defend their nest. Like all Formicinae, they can spray formic acid as a defense mechanism. Escape prevention should be moderate due to their size [3].
  • Common Issues: dry housing will quickly kill the colony due to humidity needs, temperature drops below 22°C can slow brood development, limited species-specific information requires reliance on genus-level guidance, overfeeding can lead to mold in humid setups

Housing and Nest Setup

Polyrhachis nigra does well in a Y-tong nest or plaster formicarium. Chambers should be sized for medium ants, roughly 8-12mm wide passages work well [3]. Add cork bark or twigs in the outworld to simulate arboreal preferences [3]. Keep the nest area dark or partially covered [3].

Feeding and Diet

These ants are omnivorous. Offer sugar sources like honey water weekly and protein like small insects every 3-5 days [3]. Remove uneaten food after 24-48 hours to prevent mold [3].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Maintain temperatures between 24-28°C for optimal brood development [3]. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a gradient [3]. Avoid temperatures below 22°C for extended periods [3].

Humidity Management

Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged [3]. Check moisture levels every few days and rehydrate when the surface dries [3]. Good ventilation is essential to prevent mold [3].

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Workers are active foragers on ground and vertical surfaces [3]. They defend their nest and can spray formic acid [3]. Colony growth is moderate, with first workers in 6-10 weeks [3].

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Expect 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperatures [3].

What temperature is best for Polyrhachis nigra?

Keep them at 24-28°C with a heating gradient [3].

Can I keep Polyrhachis nigra in a test tube?

Yes, for founding colonies. Move to a larger nest when the colony reaches 20-30 workers [3].

What do Polyrhachis nigra eat?

They are omnivorous, offer sugar weekly and protein every 3-5 days [3].

Do Polyrhachis nigra need hibernation?

No, they are tropical ants and remain active year-round [3].

How big do Polyrhachis nigra colonies get?

Up to several hundred workers, based on related species [3].

Are Polyrhachis nigra good for beginners?

They are medium difficulty due to humidity and temperature needs [3].

When should I move Polyrhachis nigra to a formicarium?

When the colony reaches 20-30 workers and the test tube is crowded [3].

Why is my Polyrhachis nigra colony dying?

Common causes include low humidity, temperatures below 22°C, or mold from overfeeding [3].

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References

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