Polyrhachis horni

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: India (Bihar, Karnataka) and Sri Lanka in the Indomalaya region. They likely nest in tropical forest vegetation or under bark ^[3][2].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Most Polyrhachis species form single-queen colonies, but specific data for this species is missing.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: size data unavailable ^[1]
  • Worker: size data unavailable ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown. Maximum colony size is unconfirmed.
  • Growth: Moderate, inferred from typical Polyrhachis patterns.
  • Development: Unknown. Development timeline is unconfirmed. (Development speed depends on temperature and nutrition.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm and stable, roughly 22-26°C. As a tropical species, they need consistent warmth without extreme heat spikes.
  • Humidity: Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide a water source in the outworld.
  • Diapause: Unknown. Based on their tropical range, they likely do not require a strict winter diapause, but you should observe their activity levels year-round.
  • Nesting: Semi-arboreal preferences. Use Y-tong (AAC), plaster, or soil nests with vertical orientation and hiding spots. Avoid completely horizontal setups.
• Behavior: Generally calm and non-aggressive. Workers explore actively and likely feed on honeydew and small insects. They rely on body spines for defense rather than aggression. Escape risk is moderate, ensure all tube connections are secure.
• Common Issues: limited availability makes finding queens difficult, lack of species-specific care data means you must rely on general genus patterns, humidity control requires balance to prevent mold while keeping the nest moist, temperature stability is critical for tropical colonies, slow establishment is common for new queens raising their first brood

Housing and Nest Setup

Polyrhachis horni prefers setups that mimic their natural vegetation or bark-nesting habits. A Y-tong (AAC) nest works well because it provides dark, secure chambers. Plaster nests also offer good humidity control. You can add pieces of cork bark or twigs to give them climbing structures and hiding spots. Make sure all connections between the nest and outworld are tight. Workers will test these gaps, so use proper escape-proof tubing ^[2].

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Polyrhachis species feed on honeydew from aphids and scale insects, plus small insects. In captivity, provide a steady source of sugar water or diluted honey. Offer protein sources like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small mealworms two to three times per week. Remove uneaten prey after two days to stop mold from growing. Some colonies accept small fruit pieces, but protein drives colony growth ^[2].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep this species in a warm, stable environment around 22-26°C. They come from tropical India and Sri Lanka, so they do not experience harsh winters. You likely do not need to force a diapause period. Maintain consistent conditions year-round. If room temperatures drop below 18°C, use a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a gentle gradient. Always leave an unheated zone so workers can move to cooler areas if needed ^[3].

Humidity Management

Maintain moderate to high humidity in the nest. The substrate should feel damp to the touch but never waterlogged. Attach a water tube to the nest for drinking access. Mist the outworld occasionally instead of flooding the nest chambers. Good ventilation prevents stagnant air and mold, but avoid strong drafts that dry out the nest too quickly. Adjust watering based on how quickly the nest dries out ^[2].

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Workers are active foragers that explore their environment for food. They are generally docile and rarely show aggression toward keepers. Their spiny bodies act as a natural defense, so they usually prefer to flee rather than fight. Colony growth follows a moderate pace. Expect the first workers to emerge several weeks after the queen starts laying eggs. A healthy colony will continuously produce brood at various stages when conditions stay stable ^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References