Polyrhachis
Polyrhachis lamellidens
Nuptial Flight Calendar
Care Guide
Polyrhachis lamellidens is a species that captivates experienced keepers with its striking appearance and fascinating biology. These ants are easily recognized by their robust, elongated bodies and the pair of sharp, forward-curving spines on the petiole, giving them a distinctly prehistoric look. The queen, measuring 10–12 mm, is slightly larger than the workers, which range from 7–10 mm and display a beautiful black or dark brown exoskeleton with a subtle metallic sheen. Colonies can grow to several thousand workers, but the real intrigue lies in their founding strategy.
This species is a social parasite. A newly mated queen cannot start a colony on her own. Instead, she must infiltrate an established nest of a different ant species – often a related Polyrhachis or a similar host – and take over the brood chamber. Once inside, she will kill or subdue the host queen and use the host workers to raise her first generation of offspring. This process is extremely delicate and requires precise conditions; failure rates are high even in captivity, making this species suitable only for advanced keepers who already have experience with parasitic or semi-parasitic ants.
Once the colony is established, Polyrhachis lamellidens is a voracious feeder. Workers eagerly collect a wide variety of insects – crickets, flies, and mealworms are all accepted. They also appreciate sugary offerings such as honey water or diluted sugar syrup, and in nature they would tend aphids for honeydew. A balanced diet with regular protein sources is essential for brood development and colony growth.
Care difficulty
Keeping Polyrhachis lamellidens is reserved for expert myrmecologists. The parasitic founding phase demands meticulous attention: the host colony must be carefully selected and introduced under controlled conditions. Even after takeover, the colony remains sensitive to stress. Temperature should be maintained between 20–26°C, with humidity levels of 60–80%. A winter diapause at around 8°C is required for several months, as the species comes from temperate regions. Any deviation from these parameters can quickly lead to colony decline.
Housing
These ants prefer a nest with moderate moisture and good ventilation. A formicarium with a separate, humidified chamber works well, but do not flood the nest. Polyrhachis lamellidens is an excellent climber and will often build silk-like structures or use existing cavities in bark or rotten wood. Provide a vertical surface or a nest made of softwood or plaster with multiple chambers. The outworld should be escape-proof, as they are agile. Avoid sudden temperature shifts and keep vibrations to a minimum.
First days after purchase
Upon receiving your colony – likely a small, established group after the parasitic phase – place the formicarium in a dim, quiet location and allow the ants to settle. Do not disturb them for at least 48 hours. Ensure that a water source is available (a test tube with a cotton plug works well) and offer a drop of sugar water on a small piece of foil. Observe from a distance; if workers begin foraging normally after a day or two, you can offer a tiny insect. Patience is key – any stress during the acclimation period can cause the queen to stop laying eggs or even die. Once the colony is active, maintain stable conditions and enjoy watching one of the most remarkable social parasites in the ant world.