Species Overview

Polyrhachis lamellidens Smith, 1874 is a large, heavily spined member of the genus Polyrhachis, with confirmed records from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China, including Hong Kong. Workers are typically around 7–9 mm long, while queens are approximately 10 mm.

The species has a glossy dark body with prominent spines on the mesosoma and petiole, giving it a distinctive armored appearance. More importantly, P. lamellidens is one of the best-studied temporary social parasites among Polyrhachis: newly mated queens can invade established Camponotus colonies and use host workers during the earliest stage of colony foundation.

Natural Habitat & Behavior

P. lamellidens occurs in temperate and subtropical East Asian forests. Natural nests have been reported from tree hollows, rotten logs, stumps, and occasionally the ground. Established colonies can become large, and field research has documented colonies containing more than 1,000 workers.

Temporary Social Parasitism: Newly mated queens are known to use several Camponotus species as hosts, including Camponotus japonicus and Camponotus obscuripes. A founding queen can chemically disguise herself using host-associated odors, enter the host colony, replace the host queen, and have the remaining host workers rear her first brood.

As P. lamellidens workers emerge, the temporary mixed colony gradually transitions into a normal P. lamellidens colony as the host workers die naturally. An established colony therefore does not remain permanently dependent on Camponotus workers.

Comprehensive Keeping Guidelines

Nest Type: A secure, shaded nest with good ventilation and a controlled moisture source is recommended. Wood-based, gypsum, Ytong/AAC, soil-based, or appropriately designed modular nests can all be suitable. The colony does not require textured surfaces for its spines; the important factors are security, usable nesting space, moisture access, and low disturbance.

Temperature: For an established colony, approximately 20–26°C (68–79°F) is a practical starting range. Research colonies have been maintained across a broader 20–30°C range, but newly mated queens have been reported to be sensitive to high temperatures. Avoid prolonged heat, sudden temperature swings, and placing the entire nest directly on a strong heat source.

Humidity: Keep part of the nesting area consistently moist without creating standing water or heavy condensation. Published laboratory colonies have been maintained on moistened tissue or plaster rather than under a single fixed RH target. A moisture gradient is therefore more useful than trying to maintain one exact humidity percentage throughout the nest.

Foraging Area: Provide a secure outworld with enough vertical and horizontal structure for active workers. Branches, cork bark, or other clean climbing surfaces can be used for enrichment, but they are optional rather than biologically mandatory.

Feeding & Nutrition

Carbohydrates: Provide sugar water, diluted honey water, maple syrup solution, or another clean carbohydrate source. Published laboratory colonies have been maintained successfully with diluted maple syrup as a regular energy source.

Protein: Offer appropriately sized insect protein such as mealworms, crickets, roaches, flies, or other clean feeder insects. Research colonies have accepted several of these prey types in captivity.

Feeding Schedule: For a small or medium colony, offer carbohydrate regularly and insect protein several times per week as a practical starting point. Adjust feeding according to worker number, brood load, temperature, and actual consumption. Remove spoiled or uneaten food promptly.

Advanced Care Considerations

Single-Queen Foundation: A newly mated queen should not be treated like an ordinary independently founding queen. Successful natural foundation involves temporary social parasitism of a suitable Camponotus host. For most keepers, an already established P. lamellidens colony is considerably easier to manage than attempting host-assisted foundation from a lone queen.

Host Interaction: Do not introduce random Camponotus workers into an established colony. Host use is a specialized founding-stage behavior, and uncontrolled introductions can result in aggression or injury.

Low Disturbance: Keep the nesting area shaded and avoid repeated opening, vibration, forced relocation, or unnecessary handling. Secure observation from the outworld is preferable to frequently exposing the brood chambers.

Acclimation: After delivery, allow the colony several days to stabilize with minimal disturbance. Provide water, a carbohydrate source, and appropriate insect protein, and avoid forced relocation unless there is an immediate safety issue.

Our AntNook Promise

• ✅ International Air Express: Specialized international shipping is available to supported destinations, with packing adjusted according to destination and expected conditions.
• ✅ Pre-Shipment Health Check: Live colonies are observed, hydrated, fed when appropriate, and checked for general activity before dispatch.
• ✅ Live Arrival Guarantee: Eligible shipments are covered by our current Live Arrival Guarantee. Temperature-based claim deadlines, mandatory continuous unboxing-video requirements, and other conditions apply.
• ✅ Responsible Sourcing: Availability depends on current breeder, collector, and specialist-supplier access. Shipping and export arrangements are confirmed according to the destination and specific order.
• ⚠️ Import & Customs Responsibility: Buyers are responsible for understanding destination-side import restrictions, permits, and possession requirements. Customs seizure, rejection, destruction, or major government delay is not covered by the standard LAG unless otherwise confirmed in writing before shipment.

Responsible Keeping & Legal Notice

Polyrhachis lamellidens requires secure containment and responsible long-term care. Never intentionally release captive ants into the wild. Buyers are responsible for understanding any import, possession, permit, or environmental requirements that apply at their destination. Please review AntNook's current Live Arrival Guarantee, Refund Policy, and Legal Notice before ordering.