Polyrhachis is a genus of ants belonging to the subfamily Formicinae, which encompasses more than 400 described species. These ants are widely distributed across the Old World, including regions such as Africa, Asia, and Australia. The name "polyrhachis" is derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning "many" and "rhachis" meaning "spine," referring to their unique characteristic of having several spines on their back.
Polyrhachis ants typically exhibit a wide range of sizes, colors, and morphological features, with workers varying in size from small to medium, while queens and males are larger. These ants are known for their aggressive nature and can deliver painful stings if they feel threatened. Polyrhachis species are predominantly arboreal, residing in trees and large shrubs, and are adept climbers due to the presence of specialized adhesive pads on their feet.
These ants usually construct nests on tree branches or twigs, using materials such as silk, plant fibers, and soil particles. They are also highly adaptable to various habitats, from rainforests to urban areas. Polyrhachis ants exhibit a diverse diet, foraging for nectar, honeydew, insects, spiders, and even fruits. Some species maintain mutualistic relationships with certain insects, such as Lycaenid butterflies, forming symbiotic interactions.
The taxonomic classification and identification of Polyrhachis ants rely on characteristics such as body structure, sculpturing, coloration, and presence and arrangement of spines. Due to their ecological importance as predators and seed dispersers, these ants have drawn significant attention from researchers studying the behavior, ecology, and evolutionary aspects of ant colonies and social interactions.
