The numbers
Enclosure
Test-tube founding; arboreal nest + humid outworld
Diet
Sugar/honeydew + insect protein · Sugar always; protein 2x/week
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
60-80%
Identity
Order / Family
Hymenoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Advanced
Commonality
Famous curiosity; almost never in trade
Adult size
Worker 6-14mm; queen ~15mm
Lifespan
Queen several yrs; arboreal colonies
Growth rate
Slow-moderate
Activity & niche
Arboreal, nocturnal canopy forager
Temperament
Defensive; self-sacrificing workers
Venom / defense
No sting; workers can rupture (autothysis) to spray sticky toxic glue from mandibular glands - harmless to humans
Price (THB)
indicative ~400-1,200 (seldom available)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
60-80%
Min. enclosure
Test-tube founding; arboreal nest + humid outworld
Substrate
Wood/ytong nest; humid outworld
Hides / decor / water
Branches; high humidity; water reservoir
Diet
Staple food
Sugar/honeydew + insect protein
Feeding frequency
Sugar always; protein 2x/week
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Not handled
Communal
Single colony; do not mix
Defense / stress signs
Workers rear up; may self-rupture defensively
Reproduction
Reproduction
Fully-claustral founding after nuptial flight
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsFounding failure, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsWild-caught; delicate; never release
Good to know
- Defenders literally explode, bursting glands to glue and poison attackers - a suicidal defence
Others in this group
Asian weaver ant (green tree ant)Oecophylla smaragdinaNicobar carpenter antCamponotus nicobarensisAsian spiny/golden weaver antPolyrhachis divesAsian marauder/power antCarebara diversa (formerly Pheidologeton)Asian jumping antHarpegnathos venatorBlack garden antLasius nigerMediterranean harvester antMessor barbarusFellah carpenter antCamponotus fellah