Polyrhachis Beccarii: The Golden Spiny Ant

Appearance & Behavior
This stunning golden ant species is renowned for its unique nest-building strategy on ground level. Workers construct ground-level nests from a silk-like material secreted by their larvae, which they carry in their mandibles like living glue guns. They skillfully weave together leaves, soil particles, and other debris into a durable, fabric-like structure. Highly territorial and cooperative, these aggressive workers exhibit remarkable teamwork during both construction and hunting—overpowering prey with their strong mandibles and formic acid.

The 8 mm-long black workers are agile climbers, foraging widely across the ground, plants, and trees. As opportunistic omnivores, they consume virtually any food they encounter, from honeydew to insects.

Colony Structure & Care

• Monogynous: Single-queen colonies with a modest population of a few hundred workers, making them ideal for hobbyists seeking a manageable, space-efficient species.
• Size : Queen 11-12mm Workers 7-9mm
• Lifespan: Queens may live up to 5 to 10 years in captivity, with colonies reaching maturity (a few hundred workers)
• Nesting: In the wild, they nest at ground level, but in captivity, they can be housed in any formicarium with substrate or without

Feeding & Maintenance

• Diet: Honey and insects (e.g., mealworms, superworms, roaches, crickets).
• Growth: Patience is key; initial growth is slow, but mature colonies will increase in growth speed
• Ideal Room Temperature: 27C – 29C

Why Keep Them?
A captivating choice for ant enthusiasts, Polyrhachis beccarii offers a mesmerizing blend of beauty, ingenuity, and manageable colony size. Their larval weaving behavior and cooperative hunting make them a fascinating observational species, perfect for both beginners and experienced keepers willing to accommodate their needs.