The numbers
Enclosure
Test-tube founding; ytong/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 colourful SEA carpenter
Adult size
Worker 6-11mm; queen ~13-15mm; reddish with dark gaster
Lifespan
Queen ~5-10 yrs; colony perennial
Growth rate
Moderate-fast
Activity & niche
Ground/arboreal, nocturnal
Temperament
Active, non-aggressive
Venom / defense
Bite + formic acid; no sting; harmless
Price (THB)
indicative ~300-800
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
50-70%
Min. enclosure
Test-tube founding; ytong/acrylic nest + outworld
Substrate
Plaster/ytong nest; sand-soil outworld
Hides / decor / water
Water reservoir; 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
Scattering, brood evacuation
Reproduction
Reproduction
Fully-claustral founding after nuptial flight
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMold, mites, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsBarrier for escapes; never release non-natives
Good to know
- One of several colourful mid-size carpenters that make reliable display colonies
Others in this group
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