The numbers
Enclosure
Test-tube founding; then plaster/acrylic nest + outworld
Diet
Sugar water + insect protein · Sugar always; protein 2-3x/week
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
50-70%
Identity
Order / Family
Hymenoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Beginner–Intermediate
Commonality
Common in TH shops
Adult size
Worker 7-13mm; queen ~16mm, banded gaster
Lifespan
Queen ~5-10 yrs; colony perennial
Growth rate
Moderate-fast
Activity & niche
Ground forager, mostly nocturnal
Temperament
Skittish, fast, non-aggressive to keeper
Venom / defense
Bite + formic acid; no sting; harmless
Price (THB)
350-550 (colony with workers, TH shops; verified)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
50-70%
Min. enclosure
Test-tube founding; then plaster/acrylic nest + outworld
Substrate
Plaster/ytong nest; sand-soil outworld
Hides / decor / water
Water reservoir/sponge; cork/leaf decor
Diet
Staple food
Sugar water + insect protein
Feeding frequency
Sugar always; protein 2-3x/week
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Not handled
Communal
Single colony; do not mix
Defense / stress signs
Rapid scatter, brood evacuation
Reproduction
Reproduction
Fully-claustral founding after nuptial flight
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMites, mold, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsBarrier for escapes; never release non-natives
Good to know
- Named for the tiger-striped gaster of workers and queens
Others in this group
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