{"product_id":"polyrhachis-lamellidens","title":"Polyrhachis lamellidens – Leaf-like Spiny Ant Colony | Armored Parasitic Species","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #f4f8f4; border-left: 4px solid #4CAF50; padding: 12px; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 14px; color: #333;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌿 Live Educational Habitat \u0026amp; Starter Colony:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perfect for STEM observation. Fast and secure international delivery via premium Air Express.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 700; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePolyrhachis lamellidens\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eLeaf-like Spiny Ant\u003c\/strong\u003e or Lamellate Spiny Ant, is a stunning species admired for its armor-like exoskeleton and fascinating parasitic nesting behavior. This species is part of the \u003cem\u003ePolyrhachis\u003c\/em\u003e genus, renowned for its ornate spines and metallic sheen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWorkers typically measure 7–10 mm in length and are covered in sharply pointed spines extending from the thorax and petiole, offering both defense and camouflage. Their black sheen, sculpted body texture, and elaborate spine formations make them one of Asia’s most ornamental ant species for advanced keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 700; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eNatural Habitat \u0026amp; Behavior\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn nature, these ants inhabit forested environments, nesting under bark, within decaying wood, or beneath rocks. They are distributed across Southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. \u003cem\u003ePolyrhachis lamellidens\u003c\/em\u003e exhibits a rare and fascinating parasitic colony founding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNewly mated queens invade the nests of \u003cem\u003eCamponotus japonicus\u003c\/em\u003e (Japanese Carpenter Ant), eliminate the host queen, and gradually assume control over the worker population. This evolutionary strategy ensures successful colony establishment through biological infiltration, making their initial colony stages incredibly unique to observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 700; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eComprehensive Keeping Guidelines\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNest Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use wood-based nests or our specialized \u003cstrong\u003emodular 3D-printed nests\u003c\/strong\u003e. Our 3D designs can be configured with textured surfaces that perfectly mimic the bark and rock crevices they naturally inhabit, providing a secure and enriching environment for this armored species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain between 22–28°C (71–82°F) with stable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep moderate to high humidity (60–80%), mimicking their natural forest microclimates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForaging Area:\u003c\/strong\u003e Include leaves, twigs, and climbing structures in the outworld for exploration and enrichment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 700; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eFeeding \u0026amp; Nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Diet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Live or pre-killed insects (fruit flies, crickets, mealworms).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplemental Nutrition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide constant access to sugar water, honey solutions, and diluted nectars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Schedule:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer food every 2–3 days; remove leftovers promptly to maintain hygiene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 700; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eAdvanced Care Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColony Foundation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Understanding their parasitic founding behavior is crucial if keeping a single queen. Established starter colonies are highly recommended for stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavioral Sensitivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Avoid vibrations or frequent nest disturbance, as they prefer stable, quiet environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcclimation:\u003c\/strong\u003e New colonies may show stress during transport. Allow 1–2 weeks for acclimation in a quiet, shaded location. Minor worker loss is common and not alarming if the queen remains healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 700; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eOur AntNook Promise\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e✅ \u003cstrong\u003ePremium Air Logistics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast, specialized Air Express shipping to supported international destinations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e✅ \u003cstrong\u003eVerified Viability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every starter colony is rigorously inspected for health and activity prior to dispatch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e✅ \u003cstrong\u003eIronclad LAG:\u003c\/strong\u003e Swift store credit or replacement if transit viability is compromised (subject to our \u003cstrong\u003e2.5-hour\u003c\/strong\u003e unboxing policy and successful customs clearance).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e✅ \u003cstrong\u003eEthical Sourcing:\u003c\/strong\u003e All subjects are responsibly acquired and fully compliant with export standards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e⚠️ \u003cstrong\u003eCustoms Risk Assumption:\u003c\/strong\u003e Buyer assumes 100% legal and financial risk for local customs clearance. LAG is VOID if seized by destination customs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 700; margin-top: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eResponsible Keeping \u0026amp; Legal Notice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePolyrhachis lamellidens\u003c\/em\u003e is a rare species that must be kept responsibly. Never release captive ants into local ecosystems. It is the buyer’s absolute duty to research, understand, and bear all consequences of their own country's biological import laws prior to checkout. We hold zero liability for customs confiscations. Recommended for intermediate to advanced keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntNook","offers":[{"title":"1 Queen \u0026 10+ Workers","offer_id":47627679629506,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Queen \u0026 50+ Workers","offer_id":47627679662274,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Queen \u0026 100 Workers","offer_id":45786691698882,"sku":null,"price":155.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Queen \u0026 200 Workers","offer_id":45786691666114,"sku":null,"price":215.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/3588\/2690\/files\/01_1c324a47-3157-4419-a4fb-8832575a3fea.jpg?v=1760270664","url":"https:\/\/antnook.net\/fr\/products\/polyrhachis-lamellidens","provider":"AntNook","version":"1.0","type":"link"}