The numbers
Enclosure
Test-tube founding; then acrylic/ytong nest + outworld
Diet
Sugar water + insect protein · Sugar always; protein 2x/week
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
60-75%
Identity
Order / Family
Hymenoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Intermediate
Commonality
Popular showpiece SEA species
Adult size
Worker 12-16mm; queen ~18-20mm; red head, black body
Lifespan
Queen ~5-10 yrs; colony perennial
Growth rate
Slow-moderate (small colonies)
Activity & niche
Arboreal/ground, nocturnal, timid
Temperament
Shy, slow, non-aggressive
Venom / defense
Bite + formic acid; no sting; harmless
Price (THB)
indicative ~400-1,200
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
60-75%
Min. enclosure
Test-tube founding; then acrylic/ytong nest + outworld
Substrate
Plaster/ytong nest; sand-soil outworld
Hides / decor / water
High humidity, dark nest; water reservoir
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
Freezing, slow retreat, brood-hiding
Reproduction
Reproduction
Fully-claustral founding after nuptial flight; colonies stay modest
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsSlow founding, mold, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsBarrier for escapes; confirm mated queen
Good to know
- Striking red-and-black colour makes it a display favourite despite shy habits
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