Polyrhachis thrinax

Lat. Name:

Polyrhachis thrinax

Trivial Name:

-

Taxonomy:

Subfamily: Formicinae Tribus: Camponotini

Posture Class:

(2) due to their origin and way of life, they have higher demands on good escape protection as well as temperature and air humidity

Dissemination:

Southeast Asia

Habitat:

tropical rainforests

Colony form:

polygyn

Queen:

Size: approx. 6-8mm Color: light red to brownish

Worker:

Size: approx. 4-6mm Color: light red to brownish

Soldiers:

Not available

Male:

Size: - Color: -

Food:

Honey water, insects (e.g. flies, mosquitoes, crickets in all sizes, grasshoppers)

Humidity:

Arena: 50 - 70% Nest area: 50 - 70% 

Temperature:

Arena: Daytime: 28 - 30°C Nighttime: 24 - 28°C Nest area: 28- 30°C  

Hibernation:

no

Nest shape:

Likes to nest on tree trunks between overlapping leaves, weaving them together with a mixture of plant debris and the silk of its larvae

Formicarium species:

Arena at least 30 cm high, starter set for weaver ants, willow balls as nest, acrylic cylinder,ytong/gypsum

Formicarium size:

Size: S - M

Substrate:

Farm: - Arena: sand-loam, humus

Planting:

tropical rainforest

Decoration:

Branches, leaf litter, stones, cork

Description:

They often live near the ground, like to build their nests on tree bark and between leaves. They use their larvae to spin the nest, but scientifically they do not belong to the "true weaver ants" like the genus Oecophylla, although these have almost the same weaving technique. 

They have a great need for food and exercise. The formicarium facilities should therefore also be expandable.  Due to their colony size they are quite agile and escape specialists. Therefore, pay attention to a good escape protection! 

Development:

Swarm flight: during the rainy season

Foundation: semi claustral

Colony size: a few hundred 

Offers quantity:

a mated queen and workers (see selection); brood (varies according to season and development)

Web links:

- Forum