The numbers
Enclosure
Test-tube founding; ytong/acrylic nest + outworld
Diet
Sugar water + insect protein · Sugar always; protein 2x/week
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
55-75%
Identity
Order / Family
Hymenoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Intermediate
Commonality
Large striking carpenter; periodic in trade
Adult size
Worker 10-17mm; queen ~18-20mm; black, hairy
Lifespan
Queen ~5-10 yrs; colony perennial
Growth rate
Slow-moderate
Activity & niche
Arboreal/ground, nocturnal
Temperament
Calm, slow
Venom / defense
Large bite + formic acid; no sting; harmless
Price (THB)
indicative ~400-1,000
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
55-75%
Min. enclosure
Test-tube founding; ytong/acrylic nest + outworld
Substrate
Plaster/ytong nest; sand-soil outworld
Hides / decor / water
Water reservoir; humid nest; 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
Slow retreat, mandible display
Reproduction
Reproduction
Fully-claustral founding after nuptial flight; colonies grow slowly
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsSlow founding, mold, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsBarrier for escapes; confirm mated queen; never release
Good to know
- A big, plush-looking black carpenter prized by display keepers
Others in this group
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