The numbers
Enclosure
Test-tube founding; plaster/ytong nest + outworld
Diet
Sugar water + insect protein · Sugar always; protein 2x/week
Temperature
24-28C
Humidity
40-60%
Identity
Order / Family
Hymenoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Classic beginner carpenter (research model)
Adult size
Worker 7-14mm; queen ~15-17mm
Lifespan
Queen 10-20+ yrs; colony perennial
Growth rate
Moderate
Activity & niche
Ground forager, nocturnal-crepuscular
Temperament
Calm, hardy
Venom / defense
Bite + formic acid; no sting; harmless
Price (THB)
indicative ~300-800 (imported)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24-28C
Humidity
40-60%
Min. enclosure
Test-tube founding; plaster/ytong nest + outworld
Substrate
Plaster/ytong nest; sand outworld (drier)
Hides / decor / water
Water reservoir one end; hides
Diet
Staple food
Sugar water + insect protein
Feeding frequency
Sugar always; protein 2x/week
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Not handled
Communal
Single colony; do not mix
Defense / stress signs
Scattering, brood-carrying
Reproduction
Reproduction
Fully-claustral founding after nuptial flight; very long-lived queens
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsOverhumidity mold; dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsNon-native to TH - never release; barrier for escapes
Good to know
- A lab favourite worldwide; queens can live two decades
Others in this group
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