Tetraponera — arboreal ants

About the genus

Tetraponera are slender, wasp-like ants of tropical Asia and Africa. They nest in dry hollow twigs and stems, hunt small insects and collect sweet secretions. The sting is painful, and the fast workers escape easily.

Care

• Temperature: 24–28 °C all year, no hibernation.
• Humidity: high in the nest, a drier arena.
• Food: sugars (diluted honey, sugar syrup) at all times and small insects 2–3 times a week; remove leftovers within a day.
• Farm: tube nests that mimic a hollow twig and very reliable escape prevention.

Safety

Workers sting, and the sting is painful. Do not handle the ants, use long forceps, and if you are allergic to bee or wasp stings, choose another species.