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

Polyrhachis tenebra

Non-Parasitic Queen Nee Gamergate
Wetenschappelijke naam
Polyrhachis tenebra
Subgenus
Hagiomyrma
Tribus
Camponotini
Subfamilie
Formicinae
Auteur
Kohout, 2013
Verspreiding
Gevonden in 0 landen

Introductie

Polyrhachis tenebra is a medium-sized ant native to Queensland, Australia, with workers measuring about 6.35 mm in total length . They are almost entirely black with reddish-brown mandibles and have a fuzzy appearance due to golden hairs . This species belongs to the penelope species-group in the subgenus Hagiomyrma, known for spines on the propodeum and petiole . It is a ground-nesting species found in savannah woodland, collected foraging on the ground near Pentland, Queensland . As a less-studied Polyrhachis, its exact biology is limited to this single worker specimen.

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Status per land, volgens Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Inheems Invasief Geïntroduceerd (binnenshuis) Onderschept Onbekend
Informatiebronnen
Jaarbereik 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Pentland, Queensland, Australia, found in savannah woodland, foraging on the ground [1].
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Based on Hagiomyrma patterns, likely monogyne (single queen colonies), but not directly studied [1].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, queen not described [1]
    • Worker: 6.35 mm total length [1]
    • Colony: Unknown, only one worker specimen known [1]
    • Growth: Moderate, inferred from genus patterns
    • Development: Estimated 8-12 weeks based on related Polyrhachis species at optimal temperature (Direct data unavailable, estimates based on typical Formicinae development at 24-28°C.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-30°C, with a gradient using a heating cable [1]. Based on savanna habitat, they prefer warm conditions.
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate moderately moist but not waterlogged, allowing partial drying between waterings [1]. Provide a water tube for drinking.
    • Diapause: Unknown, no data on hibernation for this species.
    • Nesting: Ground-nesting species. Use Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests with deep chambers [1].
  • Behavior: Workers are active ground-foragers and may show defensive behavior like biting and formic acid spray when disturbed, typical of Formicinae [1]. Escape risk is moderate due to medium size, use barrier gel on outworld rims.
  • Common Issues: queen founding behavior is unconfirmed, making colony establishment challenging., colony growth may be slow due to lack of specific data., incorrect humidity can cause stress or mold growth., escape risk exists despite medium size, ensure barriers are secure.

Housing and Nest Setup

Polyrhachis tenebra is a ground-nesting species that does well in Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests [1]. Provide deep chambers for colony expansion and a spacious outworld for foraging. Use a water test tube for hydration [2].

Feeding and Diet

This species is omnivorous. Offer protein sources like small insects 2-3 times per week and sugar water or honey continuously [2]. Place food on the substrate as they are ground-foragers.

Temperature and Heating

Maintain temperatures around 24-30°C, with a gradient using a heating cable [1]. Avoid prolonged temperatures below 20°C to prevent slowed development.

Humidity and Water

Keep nest substrate moderately moist but allow drying between waterings, as they are from dry savanna habitats [1]. Provide a constant water source via test tube.

Behavior and Defense

Workers are active foragers and may defend the nest with bites and formic acid spray, typical of Formicinae [1]. Use barriers to prevent escapes, as they can climb smooth surfaces.

Colony Development

Colony development details are unknown. Based on related species, expect moderate growth with first workers emerging 8-12 weeks after egg-laying at optimal temperatures [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Exact timing is unknown, but based on related Polyrhachis species, expect first workers approximately 8-12 weeks after eggs are laid at 26-28°C [1].

What do Polyrhachis tenebra ants eat?

They are omnivorous. Offer small insects for protein and sugar water or honey continuously [2].

What temperature do Polyrhachis tenebra need?

Keep them warm at 24-30°C with a gradient [1]. Avoid temperatures below 20°C for extended periods.

Are Polyrhachis tenebra good for beginners?

This species is rated medium difficulty due to limited data and rarity, so it is better for experienced keepers.

Can I keep multiple queens together?

Colony structure is unconfirmed, but Hagiomyrma species are typically monogyne, combining queens is not recommended [1].

Do Polyrhachis tenebra need hibernation?

Diapause is unknown for this species, as a Queensland ant, full hibernation is unlikely [1].

What size colony do Polyrhachis tenebra reach?

Colony size is unknown, only one worker specimen is documented [1].

What type of nest should I use?

Use ground-nesting setups like Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests with deep chambers [1].

Why is my Polyrhachis tenebra colony not growing?

Ensure warm temperatures, adequate food, and proper humidity. Growth may be slow due to lack of specific data [1].

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References

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