Polyrhachis yorkana

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to the Wet Tropics of north Queensland, Australia, with occasional specimens from further north on Cape York Peninsula. In the wild, they inhabit lowland rainforest trees where they build silk nests between leaves ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Monogyne (single queen) colonies that are polydomous, meaning the colony occupies multiple connected silk nests spread across different leaves or branches ^[3][2].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: size data unavailable
  • Worker: 4.9-5.6 mm ^[1]
  • Colony: unknown
  • Growth: unknown
  • Development: unknown, species-specific data not available (Based on related Polyrhachis species, estimate 6-8 weeks at 26°C, but this is unconfirmed.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. As a tropical species from north Queensland, they need warm, stable conditions. A heating cable on one side of the nest can help maintain warmth, but avoid overheating. Specific requirements have not been studied.
  • Humidity: High humidity is essential, think damp rainforest. Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the outworld regularly and provide a water source.
  • Diapause: No, inferred from tropical origin. They should be kept warm year-round.
  • Nesting: This is an arboreal species that builds silk nests between leaves in nature ^[2]. In captivity, provide a naturalistic setup with live plants or artificial foliage where workers can construct nests. A vertical enclosure with branches and leaves works well. Avoid soil-based formicariums, they prefer elevated nesting sites.
• Behavior: Temperament is unstudied. Based on the subfamily (Formicinae) they likely rely on formic acid spray for defense and are not aggressive. Their escape risk is moderate (size ~5 mm).
• Common Issues: dehydration from low humidity, poor humidity leads to desiccation and colony decline, cold stress, temperatures below 22°C slow brood development and can harm the colony, unsuitable nesting setup, without elevated materials to build silk nests, the colony may not thrive

Nest Preferences and Housing

Polyrhachis yorkana builds arboreal silk nests between leaves of rainforest trees ^[2]. Provide a vertical or multi-level enclosure with live plants or artificial foliage so workers can weave their nests. A Y-tong nest with connecting tubes to a foraging area decorated with branches and leaves also works. They need elevated spaces, deep soil setups are not used.

Feeding and Diet

Likely omnivorous like most Polyrhachis, feeding on honeydew and small insects. Offer sugar water or honey constantly, plus protein sources (small crickets, fruit flies) weekly. Place food in the upper areas of the enclosure. Remove uneaten protein within 24 hours.

Temperature and Heating

As a tropical species from north Queensland, keep warm (24-28°C). A heating cable on one side of the nest can help. Avoid temperatures below 22°C. They do not need hibernation.

Humidity and Water

High humidity is critical. Keep nest substrate damp but not waterlogged. Mist the outworld regularly and provide a water source (test tube with cotton wick). Monitor for dryness, sluggish workers or slow brood development indicate low humidity.

Colony Structure and Polydomous Behavior

Polyrhachis yorkana colonies are monogyne (single queen) and polydomous, they occupy multiple connected silk nests ^[3][2]. In captivity, they will spread across multiple nest sites if given space. This is normal. The queen may move between sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References