Polyrhachis rufipes

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and southern China ^{[1][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]}. They are lignicolous, nesting in rotting wood and using silk to construct nests ^[11][12].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed in scientific literature. No specific data on queen number or social structure for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: size data unavailable, no total length measurements in context
  • Worker: approximately 4-5 mm, inferred from Polyrhachis genus patterns ^[1]
  • Colony: size data unavailable, no colony size data in context
  • Growth: Moderate, inferred from genus patterns
  • Development: estimated 6-8 weeks at tropical temperatures, inferred from related Polyrhachis species (Development time may vary with temperature, cocoons are present, which can extend development)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, inferred from tropical habitat ^[11]
  • Humidity: keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, based on lignicolous nesting habits ^[11][12]
  • Diapause: no, tropical species do not require hibernation, inferred from geographic range
  • Nesting: lignicolous species that use silk for nests, recommend Y-tong or plaster nests with wood elements ^[11][12]
• Behavior: workers show commensal behavior with Stictoponera menadensis, following trails and using antennal boxing ^[3]. temperament is not highly aggressive toward keepers, but may be defensive at the nest. escape risk is moderate due to size, ensure tight-fitting lids.
• Common Issues: high humidity requirements can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, temperature stability is crucial for tropical species, wood-nesting preference may not suit simple test tube setups, slow colony growth may require patience

Housing and Nest Preferences

Polyrhachis rufipes is a lignicolous species that nests in rotting wood and uses silk to construct nests ^[11][12]. In captivity, use a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster formicarium with wood elements. The nest should have multiple connected chambers and hold moisture well. Avoid test tube setups, as these ants need solid walls for silk-lined chambers.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, P. rufipes follows Stictoponera menadensis trails to access sugar sources ^[3]. In captivity, provide sugar water or honey constantly, and protein sources like fruit flies or small insects twice weekly. Remove uneaten prey to prevent mold.

Temperature and Humidity

Keep temperatures warm, around 24-28°C, with a gentle gradient ^[11]. Humidity should be maintained by keeping the nest substrate moist but not waterlogged, based on their lignicolous habits ^[11][12]. Good ventilation is essential to prevent mold.

Commensal Behavior

P. rufipes has a unique commensal relationship with Stictoponera menadensis, where workers follow host trails and use antennal boxing to access food ^[3]. This behavior can be observed in captivity with sugar sources in the outworld.

Growth and Development

P. rufipes has cocooned pupae, which may extend development compared to naked-pupae species ^[11][12]. Based on related species, expect about 6-8 weeks from egg to first worker at tropical temperatures. Colony growth is moderate, requiring patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please report here, it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References