Polyrhachis chapmani

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Philippines (Negros Island), tropical forest environment at approximately 3600 ft elevation ^[1]
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed, no published data on queen number. Based on related Myrma species, likely single-queen colonies.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 7.16-7.71 mm ^[1]
  • Worker: 6.00-7.21 mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data published
  • Growth: Unknown, no development data available. Based on related Polyrhachis species, expect moderate growth.
  • Development: Unknown for this species. Based on typical Polyrhachis patterns, estimate 6-10 weeks at tropical temperatures. (No direct development studies exist for P. chapmani.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. As a tropical species from the Philippines, they require warm conditions year-round. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a suitable gradient ^[1].
  • Humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity. These are forest-dwelling ants that prefer damp conditions. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged ^[2].
  • Diapause: No, as a tropical species from the Philippines, they do not require hibernation. Keep them warm year-round ^[1].
  • Nesting: Lignicolous (wood-nesting). In captivity, provide a nest in wood, cork, or a Y-tong/plaster setup with wood-like texture. They use silk to construct chambers, so include some substrate they can work with ^[2].
• Behavior: Behavior is not directly documented, but Polyrhachis (Myrma) species are typically moderate in aggression and arboreal in nature. Workers are active foragers that likely search for honeydew and small prey. They lack a sting and spray formic acid for defense. Escape prevention should be moderate, they are medium-sized ants but good climbers.
• Common Issues: humidity control is critical, too dry causes brood death in this forest-dwelling species., tropical warmth is essential, temperatures below 22°C may slow or stop brood development., escape risk is moderate, ensure secure enclosures given their arboreal nature.

Nest Preferences and Housing

Polyrhachis chapmani is a lignicolous species, meaning it nests in wood. In their natural habitat, they nest in hollow vines and rotting wood. For captive care, provide a nest that mimics wood conditions, such as Y-tong, plaster, or cork bark. This species belongs to the Myrma subgenus, which uses silk to construct nest chambers. Include loose substrate for silk work. Avoid fully enclosed acrylic nests without texture. ^[2][1]

Feeding and Diet

The specific diet is not documented, but Polyrhachis species are omnivorous. Offer sugar water or honey for energy, and protein like mealworms or crickets 2-3 times per week. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a tropical species, maintain nest temperatures between 24-28°C. Use a heating cable to create a gradient, allowing ants to self-regulate. No hibernation is required, as they are from a warm climate. ^[1]

Understanding the Knowledge Gap

This species is poorly studied. All care recommendations are based on genus-level patterns from related Polyrhachis species. Observe your colony closely and adjust care based on their behavior, such as increasing humidity if they avoid dry areas. ^[2][1]

Frequently Asked Questions

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References