The numbers
Enclosure
Test-tube founding; large plaster nest + outworld with seed dish
Diet
Seeds + occasional insect protein · Seeds always; protein 1-2x/week
Temperature
24-28C
Humidity
30-50% (dry) with humid corner
Identity
Order / Family
Hymenoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Intermediate
Commonality
Prized as the largest Messor; periodic import
Adult size
Worker 4-18mm; huge majors; queen ~20-24mm (giant, red-black)
Lifespan
Queen ~15-20 yrs; colony perennial
Growth rate
Moderate
Activity & niche
Ground harvester, diurnal; large seed granaries
Temperament
Docile, impressive majors
Venom / defense
Powerful bite in majors; no effective sting; harmless
Price (THB)
indicative ~600-1,800 (imported)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24-28C
Humidity
30-50% (dry) with humid corner
Min. enclosure
Test-tube founding; large plaster nest + outworld with seed dish
Substrate
Plaster/ytong nest; sand outworld
Hides / decor / water
Water reservoir; granary chamber; hides
Diet
Staple food
Seeds + occasional insect protein
Feeding frequency
Seeds always; protein 1-2x/week
Supplements
Mixed seeds
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Not handled
Communal
Single colony; do not mix
Defense / stress signs
Seed hoarding; majors guard
Reproduction
Reproduction
Fully-claustral founding after nuptial flight; slow to build major caste
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMold on damp seed; dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsNon-native - never release; barrier for escapes
Good to know
- Its soldiers are among the biggest of any harvester ant, with massive nut-cracking heads
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