Polyrhachis dives

This species of the Polyrhachis genus are often found on the forest floor. They seldom build their nests in soil. They are best kept in a container with small pieces of wood where they can build their nest in. You can use this container as their outworld as well. They require a small crevice somewhere in that container to feel comfortable.

These ants are quite popular because they use their brood to weave a nest. Pieces of moss or leaf litter is often used as weaving material. However, these ants require a protein-rich diet in order to be able to do that. It is one of the reasons why this species is not suitable for beginners. They require higher temperatures, which means a heating device such as a heating mat or heating cable is necessary, they require higher levels of humidity and they require a suitable enclose. People often use a vertical terrarium to house this particular species as it services as a nest as well as an outworld.

Aside from their shiny golden sheen and awesome spikes on their bodies, they are active, very aggressive and have a fascinating hunting behaviour. These ants will actually take notice of you and assume a defensive stance, which makes these ants perfect specimens to feed live insects to. Watching them kill and devour their prey simply never gets boring.

Size & colony type
Queen: aprox. 12mm
Workers: aprox. 6mm – 8mm
Soldiers: n/a
Colony type: polygyne
Colony size: about 2,000 – 3,000 workers per colony
Keeping difficulty: Moderate. Require higher temperatures and an open nest

Habitat
Distribution: Asia
Habitat: often found in rainforests
Natural nest: they often build their nests on the forest floor
Suitable formicaria: Ytong-, plasternests are suitable for this species, but a large open nest would be best
Recommended humidity: 50% – 80%
Recommended temperature: 24°C – 30°C
Nutrition: a sugar source such as honey or sugarwater and a protein source such as prey insects like crickets or fruitflies. Insect jelly is also a suitable feeder since it contains both sugar and protein and varius other beneficial components

Misc
Hibernation: no
Claustral: no, you will need to feed regularly
Matingflight period: september – october
Egg to worker: 7 to 9 weeks depending on how they are being kept