Polyrhachis rufofemorata

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Found in the Australasian region across the Moluccas (Indonesia), New Guinea, and northern Australia at Iron Range on Cape York Peninsula. Inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, nesting in plant cavities, especially dead bamboo ^[1][4].
• Colony Type: Monogyne, single queen colonies with no multiple nests per colony ^[3]. Queens are similar across both petiole forms with slight variability ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 9.42-10.43 mm ^[1]
  • Worker: 8.47-9.58 mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Up to several hundred workers, estimated from genus patterns
  • Growth: Moderate, inferred from related Polyrhachis species
  • Development: Unknown, no specific data available (Cocoons are present, which aids pupal care ^[3])
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, as they are tropical species ^[1]. Use a gentle heat gradient if needed.
  • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, based on their natural habitat in humid forests ^[1].
  • Diapause: No, tropical species do not require hibernation ^[1].
  • Nesting: Lignicolous, prefer enclosed chambers in Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests with plant cavities like bamboo sections ^[1][3].
• Behavior: Generally calm and non-aggressive for a Polyrhachis species. Workers are active foragers but not highly defensive. Escape risk is moderate due to medium size, use standard barriers. They produce cocoons, unlike some related species ^[3].
• Common Issues: temperature too cool can slow brood development, monitor closely, low humidity may cause stress, maintain moist substrate, parasites like Ophiocordyceps fungi can infect colonies ^[5], escape risk is moderate, ensure barriers are adequate for medium-sized ants

Nest Preferences and Housing

Polyrhachis rufofemorata is lignicolous, naturally nesting in plant cavities like hollow internodes of dead bamboo ^[1][3]. In captivity, use enclosed nests such as Y-tong, plaster, or soil setups with chambers scaled to their size (8-10 mm passages). Add bamboo or bark for enrichment. Keep the nest humid but ensure ventilation to prevent mold ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

This species is a generalist forager. Offer sugar sources like honey water constantly and protein such as fruit flies or pinhead crickets 2-3 times per week. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to avoid mold ^[2].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a tropical species, keep temperatures around 24-28°C year-round. No diapause is needed. Use a heat gradient if your room is cool ^[1].

Colony Structure and Development

Colonies are monogyne with a single queen ^[3]. Queens measure 9.42-10.43 mm and workers 8.47-9.58 mm ^[1]. They produce cocoons, which simplifies pupal care ^[3]. Growth is moderate, but development timeline is unknown ^[1].

Behavior and Temperament

Workers are calm and not aggressive. They are arboreal and explore vertical spaces. Escape risk is moderate, use standard barriers. Defense involves formic acid spray, typical of Formicinae ^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References