The numbers
Enclosure
Founding test tube; mature needs large multi-chamber nest + big outworld
Diet
Sugar/honeydew (90% of diet) + occasional insect protein · Sugar always; protein 1-2x/week
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
60-80%
Identity
Order / Family
Hymenoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Advanced
Commonality
Rare 'holy-grail' species; seldom in trade
Adult size
Worker ~20mm, soldier ~28mm; queen ~50mm (one of the largest ants)
Lifespan
Queen long-lived (10+ yrs est.); colony perennial, polydomous
Growth rate
Slow
Activity & niche
Arboreal/ground, strongly nocturnal; honeydew farmer
Temperament
Docile but defensive; slow-moving
Venom / defense
Large bite + formic acid; no sting; bite can pinch skin
Price (THB)
indicative ~1,500-5,000+ (rare)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
60-80%
Min. enclosure
Founding test tube; mature needs large multi-chamber nest + big outworld
Substrate
Soil/clay nest or large ytong; humid outworld
Hides / decor / water
High humidity, deep hides; water tower
Diet
Staple food
Sugar/honeydew (90% of diet) + occasional insect protein
Feeding frequency
Sugar always; protein 1-2x/week
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Not handled
Communal
Single colony (multi-nest); do not mix
Defense / stress signs
Slow retreat, gaster-tuck, mandible display
Reproduction
Reproduction
Fully-claustral founding after nuptial flight; colonies grow slowly to ~7,000 across several nests
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsFounding failure, dehydration, slow recovery from stress
Red flags / quarantine
SignsWild-caught; hard to establish; confirm true mated queen
Good to know
- Among the largest ants on Earth; foragers patrol set trails at night
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