{"product_id":"polyrhachis-dives","title":"Polyrhachis dives","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"369\" data-start=\"0\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-end=\"24\" data-start=\"3\"\u003ePolyrhachis dives\u003c\/strong\u003e is a striking species of Asian ant known for its cooperative behavior and its ability to build nests with silk produced by its own larvae. It belongs to the genus \u003cem data-end=\"225\" data-start=\"212\"\u003ePolyrhachis\u003c\/em\u003e, a very diverse group of arboreal ants characterized by their spiny body structures and their lifestyle in trees and vegetation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"609\" data-start=\"371\"\u003eThis species is especially valued by myrmecology enthusiasts due to its \u003cstrong data-end=\"495\" data-start=\"461\"\u003eadvanced social behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e, intense activity, and the fascinating way it builds nests using plant fibers and larval silk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-end=\"655\" data-start=\"616\" data-section-id=\"1t2mkyy\"\u003eCharacteristics of Polyrhachis dives\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"728\" data-start=\"657\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"668\" data-start=\"657\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam, Laos, and nearby regions)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"794\" data-start=\"730\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"750\" data-start=\"730\"\u003eColony type:\u003c\/strong\u003e generally \u003cstrong data-end=\"778\" data-start=\"764\"\u003epolygynous\u003c\/strong\u003e (multiple queens)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"850\" data-start=\"796\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"811\" data-start=\"796\"\u003eColoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e glossy black with metallic reflections\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-end=\"881\" data-start=\"852\" data-section-id=\"3evarr\"\u003eCharacteristic Morphology\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1128\" data-start=\"883\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"934\" data-start=\"883\" data-section-id=\"19fxiyx\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"934\" data-start=\"885\"\u003ebody covered by a \u003cstrong data-end=\"934\" data-start=\"909\"\u003every shiny chitin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1011\" data-start=\"935\" data-section-id=\"pdmrhl\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1011\" data-start=\"937\"\u003epresence of \u003cstrong data-end=\"986\" data-start=\"950\"\u003echaracteristic dorsal spines\u003c\/strong\u003e of the genus \u003cem data-end=\"1011\" data-start=\"998\"\u003ePolyrhachis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1058\" data-start=\"1012\" data-section-id=\"zkysyo\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1058\" data-start=\"1014\"\u003eslender body adapted to arboreal life\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1128\" data-start=\"1059\" data-section-id=\"1j3b26d\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1128\" data-start=\"1061\"\u003elong legs that facilitate movement on branches and vegetation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1243\" data-start=\"1130\"\u003eWorkers typically measure between \u003cstrong data-end=\"1173\" data-start=\"1161\"\u003e6 and 8 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, while queens can reach slightly larger sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1390\" data-start=\"1245\"\u003eThese adaptations are directly related to their \u003cstrong data-end=\"1329\" data-start=\"1303\"\u003earboreal lifestyle\u003c\/strong\u003e, where mobility and nest defense are fundamental.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-end=\"1415\" data-start=\"1397\" data-section-id=\"1e5x7br\"\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1582\" data-start=\"1417\"\u003eIn nature, \u003cstrong data-end=\"1456\" data-start=\"1435\"\u003ePolyrhachis dives\u003c\/strong\u003e lives primarily in \u003cstrong data-end=\"1518\" data-start=\"1480\"\u003etropical and subtropical forests\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it builds nests in trees, shrubs, or dense vegetation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1619\" data-start=\"1584\"\u003eTheir colonies are usually found in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1704\" data-start=\"1621\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1639\" data-start=\"1621\" data-section-id=\"1d95xep\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1639\" data-start=\"1623\"\u003etree branches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1657\" data-start=\"1640\" data-section-id=\"1k0wg1j\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1657\" data-start=\"1642\"\u003edense bushes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1682\" data-start=\"1658\" data-section-id=\"1sa2dxq\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1682\" data-start=\"1660\"\u003ehumid forest areas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1704\" data-start=\"1683\" data-section-id=\"bt7asl\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1704\" data-start=\"1685\"\u003etropical vegetation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1973\" data-start=\"1706\"\u003eUnlike many other ants, this species \u003cstrong data-end=\"1781\" data-start=\"1758\"\u003edoes not live underground\u003c\/strong\u003e; instead, it builds \u003cstrong data-end=\"1820\" data-start=\"1802\"\u003eelevated nests\u003c\/strong\u003e using silk produced by larvae. Workers hold the larvae as they release silk, which they use to bind leaves and plant fibers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2077\" data-start=\"1975\"\u003eThe result is a \u003cstrong data-end=\"2031\" data-start=\"1995\"\u003ecompact and resistant structure\u003c\/strong\u003e, similar to small woven sacs or shelters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-end=\"2101\" data-start=\"2084\" data-section-id=\"1cfb44o\"\u003eBehavior\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2212\" data-start=\"2103\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2128\" data-start=\"2107\"\u003ePolyrhachis dives\u003c\/strong\u003e exhibit extremely interesting behavior to observe in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2269\" data-start=\"2214\"\u003eAmong their most characteristic behaviors are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2462\" data-start=\"2271\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2317\" data-start=\"2271\" data-section-id=\"15erm9w\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2317\" data-start=\"2273\"\u003enest construction using larval silk\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2379\" data-start=\"2318\" data-section-id=\"141wwu9\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2379\" data-start=\"2320\"\u003ecooperation among numerous workers during construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2419\" data-start=\"2380\" data-section-id=\"1ba3yx2\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2419\" data-start=\"2382\"\u003ehigh activity in the foraging area\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2462\" data-start=\"2420\" data-section-id=\"1to16py\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2462\" data-start=\"2422\"\u003ewell-organized defensive behavior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2590\" data-start=\"2464\"\u003eColonies can grow rapidly and have \u003cstrong data-end=\"2537\" data-start=\"2520\"\u003eseveral queens\u003c\/strong\u003e, which favors relatively quick expansion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2735\" data-start=\"2592\"\u003eTheir cooperative social behavior makes observing the \u003cstrong data-end=\"2705\" data-start=\"2650\"\u003enest construction and worker activity\u003c\/strong\u003e particularly fascinating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-end=\"2757\" data-start=\"2742\" data-section-id=\"1xgyu05\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2841\" data-start=\"2759\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2783\" data-start=\"2762\"\u003ePolyrhachis dives\u003c\/strong\u003e is primarily \u003cstrong data-end=\"2840\" data-start=\"2802\"\u003eomnivorous with a nectivorous tendency\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2861\" data-start=\"2843\"\u003eRecommended diet:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3010\" data-start=\"2863\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2904\" data-start=\"2863\" data-section-id=\"1lh4wyf\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2904\" data-start=\"2865\"\u003esugar water or sugary solutions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2919\" data-start=\"2905\" data-section-id=\"i6v64d\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2919\" data-start=\"2907\"\u003ediluted honey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2978\" data-start=\"2920\" data-section-id=\"fmmns3\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2978\" data-start=\"2922\"\u003esmall insects (flies, crickets, small cockroaches)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3010\" data-start=\"2979\" data-section-id=\"2779j2\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3010\" data-start=\"2981\"\u003eoccasionally ripe fruits\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3155\" data-start=\"3012\"\u003eSources of \u003cstrong data-end=\"3039\" data-start=\"3027\"\u003esugars\u003c\/strong\u003e are a fundamental part of their diet, as they provide energy for the colony's intense activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3233\" data-start=\"3157\"\u003eInsects provide the necessary protein for larval development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-end=\"3270\" data-start=\"3240\" data-section-id=\"1lkfde8\"\u003eAnt Farm Recommendation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3427\" data-start=\"3272\"\u003eDue to its \u003cstrong data-end=\"3306\" data-start=\"3295\"\u003earboreal\u003c\/strong\u003e nature, this species adapts better to rearing systems that allow \u003cstrong data-end=\"3426\" data-start=\"3369\"\u003evertical structures or ample foraging areas\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3458\" data-start=\"3429\"\u003eIt is advisable to provide:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3561\" data-start=\"3460\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3522\" data-start=\"3460\" data-section-id=\"a6nn5g\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3522\" data-start=\"3462\"\u003eareas with \u003cstrong data-end=\"3522\" data-start=\"3472\"\u003ebranches or structures where they can fix their nest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3542\" data-start=\"3523\" data-section-id=\"16dkr9r\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3542\" data-start=\"3525\"\u003egood ventilation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3561\" data-start=\"3543\" data-section-id=\"c7236x\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3561\" data-start=\"3545\"\u003emoderate humidity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3758\" data-start=\"3563\"\u003eModular systems allow for perfect observation of colony activity, while a \u003cstrong data-end=\"3681\" data-start=\"3662\"\u003espacious foraging area\u003c\/strong\u003e facilitates natural exploration and food gathering behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3922\" data-start=\"3760\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3790\" data-start=\"3777\"\u003eAntMaster\u003c\/strong\u003e foraging areas offer the ideal space for these ants to develop their activity and build structures similar to their natural nests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-end=\"3970\" data-start=\"3929\" data-section-id=\"19h6tuv\"\u003eImportant Purchase Information\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4043\" data-start=\"3972\"\u003e⚠️ \u003cstrong data-end=\"4043\" data-start=\"3975\"\u003eAntMaster is not the seller or intermediary for this species.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4277\" data-start=\"4045\"\u003eThis entry is for informational purposes only within the species catalog. If you choose to purchase this species, you will be redirected to the original supplier's website, \u003cstrong data-end=\"4228\" data-start=\"4213\"\u003eAntMerchant\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the purchase, payment, and shipping take place.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntMerchant","offers":[{"title":"Queen + 30-60 workers","offer_id":53776785473800,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Queens + 30-60 workers","offer_id":53776785506568,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Queens + 30-60 workers","offer_id":53776785539336,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 Queens + 30-60 Workers","offer_id":53776785572104,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/3910\/0680\/files\/GeneratedImageMarch15_2026-12_10PM.jpg?v=1773573087","url":"https:\/\/www.antmastershop.com\/en\/products\/polyrhachis-dives","provider":"Antmaster","version":"1.0","type":"link"}