Welcome to the fascinating world of Polyrhachis dives, also known as the lesser weaver ants, renowned for their unique nesting habits and social structure. Originating from South Asia, these ants exhibit remarkable behaviors, including the construction of intricate air-borne nests using silk produced by their larvae. With their distinctive characteristics and captivating behaviors, Polyrhachis dives colonies offer an intriguing experience for ant enthusiasts.
Polyrhachis dives
Polyrhachis dives inhabits open woodlands and swampy coastal plains of South Asia, where it constructs its characteristic carton nests on lower branches of grasses, trees, and shrubs. Utilizing larval silk, the ants join foliage and twigs to form their nests, showcasing their remarkable weaving abilities. With polygynous behavior, colonies often harbor approximately 50 queens, facilitating the formation of super colonies and the construction of massive nests.
Queen are around 10-15 mm and workers are a little bit smaller ranging from 5-9 mm. The species has one cast and does not produce majors or soldiers. The queens found semi-claustral meaning they need to be fed during founding and hunt for their food.
Colonies don't get very large despite their polygynous behaviour. Most captive colonies can range from 2000-3000 workers.
They are often called lesser weaver ants because real weaver ants weave leaves. Polyrhachis dives weaves everything together to make a nest.
Source: AntWiki
