Diacamma — ponerine ants

About the genus

Diacamma are large dark ponerines of tropical Asia and Australia with heavily sculpted bodies. They have no queen caste: a single mated worker reproduces, and workers form a hierarchy. New colonies form by fission, so they are usually sold as a group of workers with a gamergate.

Care

• Temperature: 24–28 °C all year, no hibernation.
• Humidity: high in the nest, a drier arena.
• Food: mainly insects: crickets, roaches and mealworms 2–3 times a week; occasionally a little diluted honey.

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.