The numbers
Enclosure
Test-tube founding; plaster nest + outworld with seed dish
Diet
Seeds (grass/poppy/millet) + occasional insect protein; sugar optional · Seeds always available; protein 1-2x/week
Temperature
24-28C
Humidity
30-50% nest (dry) with humid corner
Identity
Order / Family
Hymenoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Very popular beginner harvester (seed-eater)
Adult size
Worker 3-14mm polymorphic; big-headed majors; queen ~15-18mm, black
Lifespan
Queen up to ~15-20 yrs; colony perennial
Growth rate
Moderate-fast
Activity & niche
Ground harvester, diurnal; stores seed granaries
Temperament
Docile, hardy
Venom / defense
Bite (strong in majors); no effective sting; harmless
Price (THB)
indicative ~300-900 (imported)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24-28C
Humidity
30-50% nest (dry) with humid corner
Min. enclosure
Test-tube founding; plaster nest + outworld with seed dish
Substrate
Plaster/ytong nest (drier); sand outworld
Hides / decor / water
Water reservoir; seed granary chamber; hides
Diet
Staple food
Seeds (grass/poppy/millet) + occasional insect protein; sugar optional
Feeding frequency
Seeds always available; protein 1-2x/week
Supplements
Mixed small seeds
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Not handled
Communal
Single colony; do not mix
Defense / stress signs
Seed hoarding, majors guard entrance
Reproduction
Reproduction
Fully-claustral founding after nuptial flight; majors mill seeds into 'ant bread'
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMold on wet seeds; dehydration; over-wet nest
Red flags / quarantine
SignsNon-native to TH - never release; barrier for escapes
Good to know
- Big-headed majors crack seeds into a paste called 'ant bread' to feed the colony
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