Polyrhachis ammon

Golden-Tailed Spiny Ants are ground-dwelling ants that inhabit open eucalypt forests, urban areas, and woodlands along the eastern coast of Australia, from Queensland to Victoria. Their colonies are monogynous, meaning they have a single queen, and can grow to a size of approximately 400 workers.

These ants build their nests in soil at the base of trees, shrubs, or under rocks, often in areas with moderate humidity and temperatures. They thrive in environments with sand-loam substrates, mimicking their natural habitat. They have a mutualistic relationship with leafhoppers, which provide them with honeydew in exchange for protection from predators.
 

Polyrhachis ammon defends itself by curling its body to display its spines or, if necessary, releasing formic acid from the tip of its gaster. Despite these adaptations, they are non-aggressive and lack a venomous sting, making them relatively safe to observe and handle.

When purchasing a Polyrhachis ammon colony, it’s important to provide the appropriate environment for their care. Colonies typically include a queen, workers, and brood. A soil-based formicarium is recommended, and medium-to-large-sized setups are ideal to accommodate their size and behaviors.
 

These ants are suitable for intermediate ant keepers due to their unique dietary and environmental needs. While they do not require hibernation, maintaining proper humidity (50-70% in the nest) and temperature (24-28°C in the nest) is essential for their health. Their manageable colony size and fascinating habits make them an excellent addition to any ant collection.

To ensure a thriving Polyrhachis ammon colony, provide a formicarium with sand-loam substrate and plenty of decorations like roots, branches, and stones to replicate their natural environment. Include plants such as grasses and succulents for a more naturalistic setup.
 

Their diet should consist of carbohydrates like honey water or commercial ant nectars, and protein sources such as small insects (flies, mosquitoes, or mealworms). They also enjoy seeds and formulated ant foods for variety.
 

Maintain stable temperatures between 24-28°C in the nest and 20-30°C in the outworld, with humidity levels around 50-70%. Regularly monitor their environment to prevent extremes that could stress the colony.
 

Take care when handling Polyrhachis ammon as their spines can be sharp. However, their non-aggressive nature makes them easy to work with, and their striking appearance and unique nesting habits offer endless fascination for dedicated ant keepers.