Polyrhachis rastellata

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical forests, particularly mixed deciduous and wet evergreen forests, from India to Australia ^[6][7]. Nests arboreally in trees using larval silk ^[3].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed, but workers can lay eggs in the absence of a queen ^[8].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, inferred from Polyrhachis genus patterns (~7-9 mm)
  • Worker: 5-6.5 mm ^[1][2]
  • Colony: Unknown
  • Growth: Moderate, estimated from related species
  • Development: Unknown, estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature based on genus patterns (Development timeline unconfirmed for this specific species)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly low-to-mid 20s°C, as a tropical species ^[9]
  • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, based on arboreal nesting habits ^[3]
  • Diapause: No, tropical species do not require hibernation ^[9]
  • Nesting: Arboreal nests using larval silk, provide materials for weaving ^[3][8]
• Behavior: Docile and sluggish, rely on scent rather than vision, cluster when disturbed ^[8]. Escape risk is moderate due to size.
• Common Issues: humidity control is critical for silk structures to prevent degradation or mold, taxonomic confusion may lead to misidentification of wild-caught specimens, protected in Sri Lanka, illegal to collect queens or disturb colonies there, slow growth compared to faster species may frustrate beginners

Housing and Nest Setup

Polyrhachis rastellata requires arboreal-style housing. They naturally weave leaves with larval silk, so provide materials like twigs, leaves, or artificial structures for them to manipulate. Avoid standard test tubes, use acrylic nests or custom arboreal formicaria with open areas for silk construction. Maintain moderate humidity and good ventilation to prevent mold ^[3][8].

Feeding and Diet

They are omnivorous. Offer sugar water or honey constantly, and protein sources like fruit flies or small crickets 2-3 times per week. They learn to carry sugar grains to humid chambers ^[8]. Remove uneaten food promptly to avoid mold ^[10].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a tropical species, keep conditions warm, roughly low-to-mid 20s°C. No hibernation is needed, activity may slow in cooler months but no special care required ^[9].

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

This species is calm and sluggish, relying on scent trails. Workers cluster when disturbed and use larval silk for nest construction instead of forming cocoons ^[8].

Handling and Temperament

They are docile and rarely aggressive. When disturbed, they tend to cluster rather than attack ^[8].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References