Polyrhachis Mitrata– Red false weavers - Intermediate
 
This species of polyrhachis is one of the prettiest we have seen. With their shiny black thorax and colour popping gasters they are a spectacular and welcome addition to the store.
 
Typically in nests of up to 400 workers they favour low level shrubbery to form their nests. As with most polyrhachis they use the larvae silk with debris to form their nests in these plants, low to the ground.
 
They love farming honeydew from insects and they will also scavenge recently deceased insects locally. They are not overly aggressive and with small colonies prefer not to put up a fight with living prey.
 
Being a small species, this would make a perfect addition to a natural habitat and the small numbers mean you will not need heaps of space either.
 
Colony Size
200-400  workers
Queen Age
unknown years
Monogyne (1 queen per colony)
Semi Claustral
Temperature
Nest 24 to 27 degrees
Hibernation
No
Polymorphic (Different size casts)
No
Sting/Spray/Acid
Yes – They have acid
Bite
Yes – but not enough to cause pain (they are too small)
Diet
Small insects, sugars
Nest Type
Natural
Size
Queen – 8mm