The numbers
Enclosure
Test-tube founding (often several queens); acrylic/ytong nest + arboreal outworld with twigs
Diet
Sugar water/honeydew + insect protein · Sugar always; protein 2-3x/week
Temperature
24-30C
Humidity
50-70%
Identity
Order / Family
Hymenoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Common, undemanding SEA weaver; great beginner
Adult size
Worker 6-8mm, spiny; queen ~9-11mm
Lifespan
Queen ~5-8 yrs; colony perennial
Growth rate
Moderate
Activity & niche
Arboreal/ground, diurnal; builds silk-carton nests
Temperament
Calm, cohesive, non-aggressive to keeper
Venom / defense
Bite only (spines deter predators); no sting; harmless
Price (THB)
indicative ~300-900
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24-30C
Humidity
50-70%
Min. enclosure
Test-tube founding (often several queens); acrylic/ytong nest + arboreal outworld with twigs
Substrate
Nest chambers + branches/mesh for carton weaving; sand-soil outworld
Hides / decor / water
Twigs/leaves for silk nest; water reservoir; moderate humidity
Diet
Staple food
Sugar water/honeydew + insect protein
Feeding frequency
Sugar always; protein 2-3x/week
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Not handled
Communal
Eusocial, often polygynous (~50 queens); single colony only
Defense / stress signs
Clustering, silk sealing, mild recruitment
Reproduction
Reproduction
Semi-claustral, polygynous founding; nests woven from larval silk (carton) on low foliage
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMold if too wet; mites; dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsBarrier for escapes; never release non-natives
Good to know
- Builds papery silk 'carton' nests and tolerates many co-queens - very forgiving
Others in this group
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