Polyrhachis ammon, commonly known as the Golden-Tailed Spiny Ant, is a fascinating ant species native to Australia. These ants are renowned for their striking golden hairs on their black bodies and the prominent spines along their thorax, which give them their name. With a medium to large size, they are a popular choice for ant enthusiasts due to their unique appearance, fascinating behaviors, and manageable care requirements.
Polyrhachis ammon
Golden-Tailed Spiny Ants are ground-dwelling ants that inhabit open eucalypt forests, urban areas, and woodlands along the eastern coast of Australia, from Queensland to Victoria. Their colonies are monogynous, meaning they have a single queen, and can grow to a size of approximately 400 workers.
These ants build their nests in soil at the base of trees, shrubs, or under rocks, often in areas with moderate humidity and temperatures. They thrive in environments with sand-loam substrates, mimicking their natural habitat. They have a mutualistic relationship with leafhoppers, which provide them with honeydew in exchange for protection from predators.
Polyrhachis ammon defends itself by curling its body to display its spines or, if necessary, releasing formic acid from the tip of its gaster. Despite these adaptations, they are non-aggressive and lack a venomous sting, making them relatively safe to observe and handle.
