How big is Polyrhachis dives?

Queen: 10-13 — Workers: 8-10.

How long does a Polyrhachis dives queen live?

A Polyrhachis dives queen lives approximately 10-15.

How does Polyrhachis dives found a colony?

Foundation type: Semi-claustral — Polygynous: Variable.

What temperature and humidity does Polyrhachis dives require?

Temperature: 24-30 — Humidity: 70-85.

Is Polyrhachis dives suitable for beginners?

Difficulty level: 4/5 (advanced).

Polyrhachis dives

Scientific name

Polyrhachis dives

Origin

South-East Asia (China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia)

Natural climate

Humid tropical

Queen size

10-13

Worker size

8-10

Queen lifespan

10-15

Founding

Semi-claustral

Polygynous

Variable

Diet

Insects, sugar, fruit

Hibernation

Humidity

70-85

Temperature

24-30

Max colony size

3,000-10,000

Difficulty

The black weaver ant of Asia

Polyrhachis dives is one of the most spectacular ants in Asia. Velvety black, adorned with curved spines on the thorax and petiole, it’s famous for its weaving behaviour: it builds its nests by gluing living leaves together using larval silk.

The workers hold the larvae in their mandibles and press them against the leaves to be joined — the larvae then release silk in response. A behaviour comparable to that of Oecophylla but on a smaller scale. Living, fascinating architecture.

An expert tropical species

P. dives requires: a humid terrarium (70-85%), living plants for weaving, a constant temperature of 26-30°C, and patience to watch the weaving, which happens over several weeks. Not recommended as a first exotic species.

Social and defensive life

Colonies can be monogynous or polygynous depending on the population. The workers are defensive: they bite, then spray formic acid. Not dangerous to humans but unpleasant.

Colonies of 3,000 to 10,000 workers, sometimes more. A long-lived queen (10+ years). Wild nests are often satellite-based: a main nest in the trees, secondary nests on the ground — linked by trails several metres long.

The medicinal-ant myth

In traditional Chinese medicine, P. dives is consumed for its supposed anti-inflammatory virtues. Not scientifically validated, but the species is farmed commercially in China for this market. For information only — no consumption is recommended.

Keeping

Humid tropical: a constant 24-30°C, humidity 70-85%. No hibernation. A “jungle”-type terrarium with living plants (Ficus, Pothos), manual or automatic misting. Feeding: live insects, fruit, honeydew. A large, ventilated outworld. Reserved for keepers experienced with tropical biotopes.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Polyrhachis dives?: Queen: 10-13 — Workers: 8-10.
How long does a Polyrhachis dives queen live?: A Polyrhachis dives queen lives approximately 10-15.
How does Polyrhachis dives found a colony?: Foundation type: Semi-claustral — Polygynous: Variable.
What does Polyrhachis dives eat?: Diet: Insects, sugar, fruit.
Does Polyrhachis dives need a diapause (hibernation)?: Diapause: No.
What temperature and humidity does Polyrhachis dives require?: Temperature: 24-30 — Humidity: 70-85.
How large does a Polyrhachis dives colony grow?: Colony size: 3,000-10,000.
Is Polyrhachis dives suitable for beginners?: Difficulty level: 4/5 (advanced).