The numbers
Enclosure
Twig/tube founding; arboreal nest (hollow wood) + outworld
Diet
Sugar/honeydew + insect protein · Sugar always; protein 2x/week
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
50-70%
Identity
Order / Family
Hymenoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Advanced (experts only)
Commonality
Common wild; rarely kept due to sting
Adult size
Worker 8-13mm slender; queen ~13-16mm; red-and-black
Lifespan
Queen several yrs; small arboreal colonies
Growth rate
Slow
Activity & niche
Arboreal, diurnal; nests in hollow twigs
Temperament
Alert, quick to sting
Venom / defense
Potent STING (medically notable in TH; painful, allergy risk) + bite
Price (THB)
indicative ~200-600 (seldom sold)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
50-70%
Min. enclosure
Twig/tube founding; arboreal nest (hollow wood) + outworld
Substrate
Hollow twig/wood nest; arboreal outworld
Hides / decor / water
Branches, hollow wood; water droplets
Diet
Staple food
Sugar/honeydew + insect protein
Feeding frequency
Sugar always; protein 2x/week
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Do not handle - painful sting, allergy risk
Communal
Single colony; do not mix
Defense / stress signs
Sting posture, rapid arboreal retreat
Reproduction
Reproduction
Semi-claustral founding in twig cavities after nuptial flight
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsFeeding refusal, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsSTING - one of TH's notable stinging ants; secure lid; not beginner
Good to know
- Locally called 'mot tanoi'; its sting is a well-documented cause of ant anaphylaxis in Thailand
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