Rhytidoponera chalybeae

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Rhytidoponera chalybeae is a monogynous ant species. The colony size can reach up to 500 workers, and their development rate is medium. The queen measures 7-8mm, while the workers measure 4-7mm. The ants have an iridescent purple orange-red color, with dark purple being dominant. Their nutrition consists of food insects, syrup, fruit, vegetables, jelly, and coconut water.

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We give a 100% guarantee for the delivery of a live queen and colony to the client. You can read more about guarantees on the Guarantees page.

Product care

The most important thing is that you read the temperature conditions, moisture and what to feed the ants. It is important not to introduce too small a colony into a large formicarium, much less just one queen. It’s good if the formicarium is divided by partitions and if the first chamber is very small (such as in our Comfort formicarium). We recommend reading more information about keeping ants in our blogs!

Product details

Difficulty in breeding	Experts
Behavior	Moderate
Wintering	With diapause
The size of ants	Small
Origin	Australia and Oceania

Description

Rhytidoponera chalybeae – The Astonishing Iridescent Ant

Colony Information

Colony type: Monogyny

Colony size: up to 500 workers

Development rate: medium

Size

Queen: 7-8mm
Workers: 4-7mm
Color: Dark purple with an iridescent shine of purple and orange-red

Nutrition

Rhytidoponera chalybeae has diverse nutritional requirements. They primarily feed on food insects like cockroaches and crickets. Additionally, they enjoy a variety of food sources including syrup (water/honey mixed at a ratio of 4:1), fruits, vegetables, jelly, cooked chicken without salt, and nuts.

Environmental Conditions

Humidity:
- Arena: 40-50%
- Nest: 50-70%
Temperature:
- Arena: 22-28°C
- Nest: 22-26°C

Species Features and Behavior

The Rhytidoponera chalybeae species is known for its cautious and secretive nature. In case of danger, these ants have the incredible ability to instantly withdraw without panicking. This unique behavior sets them apart from other ant species, making them particularly fascinating to observe and study.

Recommended Nesting Materials

For breeding and housing, we recommend using nests made of high-quality materials such as acrylic, cork, plaster, or aerated concrete. These materials provide a suitable and comfortable environment for the Rhytidoponera chalybeae colonies.

About Rhytidoponera chalybeae

Rhytidoponera chalybeae, also known as the Astonishing Iridescent Ant, is a mesmerizing insect species. With its striking dark purple color and an iridescent shine of purple and orange-red, these ants are truly a sight to behold. The vibrant hues make them stand out among other ant species, making them a popular choice for ant enthusiasts and collectors.

When it comes to colony dynamics, Rhytidoponera chalybeae have a monogynous structure. This means that each colony is led by a single queen, who can grow to be around 7-8mm in size. The workers, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, with an average size ranging from 4-7mm. Despite their size, these ants have an impressive colony size potential, with populations reaching up to 500 workers.

These unique ants have a medium development rate, which means that the growth and expansion of their colonies happen at a moderate pace. This aspect adds to the intrigue of observing their behavior over time, as their colonies gradually grow and thrive.

When it comes to their nutritional needs, Rhytidoponera chalybeae are not picky eaters. They primarily feed on food insects such as cockroaches and crickets, showcasing their predator instincts. Additionally, they can consume a diverse range of food sources including syrup (made by mixing water and honey at a ratio of 4:1), various fruits, vegetables, jelly, cooked chicken (without salt), and nuts. This versatility in their diet ensures that they remain active and healthy.

To create a suitable habitat for the Rhytidoponera chalybeae colonies, it is important to consider their environmental requirements. These ants thrive in environments with specific humidity and temperature levels. The ideal humidity for their arena is around 40-50%, while the nest requires a slightly higher humidity level ranging from 50-70%. In terms of temperature, maintaining an arena temperature of 22-28°C and a nest temperature of 22-26°C is recommended to ensure their well-being.

What truly sets Rhytidoponera chalybeae apart is their remarkable behavior. Unlike many other ant species, these ants possess an exceptional level of caution and secrecy. When faced with potential danger, they exhibit an incredible ability to instantly withdraw, avoiding panic and ensuring their survival. This intriguing behavior has captivated ant enthusiasts and researchers alike, making these ants a subject of fascination and study.

If you are considering breeding and housing Rhytidoponera chalybeae, we recommend using nests made of premium materials such as acrylic, cork, plaster, or aerated concrete. These nesting materials provide an ideal environment for their colonies to thrive and grow. Such nests offer the necessary space, structure, and stability required for the comfort and well-being of these incredible ants.

Rhytidoponera chalybeae, with its mesmerizing iridescent coloration, fascinating behavior, and unique colony dynamics, is undoubtedly an ant species worth exploring and appreciating. By creating the optimal conditions for their growth and observing their captivating behavior, you can unlock a world of wonder within the realm of these astonishing ants.