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

Polyrhachis gobini

Monogínica Non-Parasitic Queen Não Gamergate
Nome científico
Polyrhachis gobini
Subgênero
Myrma
Tribo
Camponotini
Subfamília
Formicinae
Autor
Kohout, 2008
Distribuição
Encontrada em 0 países

Introdução

Polyrhachis gobini is an arboreal ant species from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Workers measure up to 10.78 mm in total length and have a black body with bright orange-red legs . They belong to the vestita species-group within the subgenus Myrma and have short, forward-pointing pronotal spines and an unarmed petiole . Queens are slightly larger, measuring approximately 11.14 mm in total length . This species nests in tree cavities and seals entrances with detritus and rotten wood pulp. Colonies are polydomous, meaning they occupy multiple nest sites in different trees. Workers forage singly, and the species is endemic to Sulawesi's limestone karst regions .

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Status por país, desde Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Nativa Invasiva Introduzida (Ambiente urbano/interno) Interceptada Desconhecido
Fontes de dados
Intervalo de anos 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Sulawesi, Indonesia, secondary rainforest on limestone karst hills at elevations around 265-400 meters [1][2].
  • Colony Type: Polydomous, colonies spread across multiple tree cavities. Queen number is unconfirmed [1].
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Approximately 11.14 mm [1]
    • Worker: Up to 10.78 mm [1]
    • Colony: Unknown
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unknown (No published development data exists for this species.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, around 24-28°C, based on tropical habitat needs.
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, with some dry areas.
    • Diapause: No, as a tropical species, they do not require hibernation [1].
    • Nesting: Arboreal setup with enclosed cavities, such as Y-tong nests or cork bark pieces [1].
  • Behavior: Workers are generally calm and non-aggressive. They lack a functional sting but can spray formic acid as a defense mechanism. They are excellent climbers, so escape prevention is critical [1].
  • Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to arboreal climbing abilities., tropical warmth requirements mean they cannot tolerate cool temperatures., polydomous nature may lead to spreading between nest areas in captivity., founding colonies are fragile with limited captive breeding data.

Natural History and Distribution

Polyrhachis gobini is endemic to Sulawesi, described in 2008 by R.J. Kohout. It belongs to the vestita species-group and is limited to southern Sulawesi's limestone karst hills [2][1].

Nesting Behavior

This arboreal species nests in tree cavities, sealing entrances with detritus and rotten wood pulp. Colonies are polydomous, occupying multiple nest sites [1].

Identification and Distinguishing Features

Workers have a black body with orange-red legs, short forward-pointing pronotal spines, and an unarmed petiole. Queens are slightly larger with similar features [2][1].

Housing and Nest Setup

Use arboreal setups like Y-tong nests or cork bark pieces to simulate tree cavities. Provide materials for sealing nest entrances and ensure excellent escape prevention [1].

Feeding and Diet

Offer sugar sources like honey water and protein such as small insects. Since workers forage singly, place food near active areas [1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep temperatures between 24-28°C year-round. No diapause is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Polyrhachis gobini a good beginner species?

No, it is medium difficulty due to tropical requirements and escape risks [1].

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

Unknown, no published data exists [1].

What temperature do Polyrhachis gobini need?

Keep them warm at 24-28°C based on tropical needs.

Can I keep multiple queens together?

No data exists, start with a single queen [1].

What do Polyrhachis gobini eat?

They are omnivorous, offer sugar water and small insects [1].

Do they need hibernation?

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

Why are my Polyrhachis gobini escaping?

They are excellent climbers, apply barriers and check for gaps [1].

What type of nest should I use?

Arboreal setups like Y-tong nests or cork bark pieces [1].

How big do colonies get?

Unknown, no published colony size data [1].

Where is Polyrhachis gobini found in the wild?

Endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, in limestone karst regions [1][2].

How do I identify Polyrhachis gobini?

Look for black body with orange-red legs, short pronotal spines, and unarmed petiole [2][1].

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References

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