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Diacamma rugosum

A large dark ponerine from Asia with a sculpted body. The colony has no queen; a gamergate lays the eggs.

Species at a glance

  • Origin: the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and subtropical East Asia
  • Size: workers 10–13 mm
  • Colony: up to 300 ants; one or more gamergates reproduce
  • Difficulty: intermediate, for keepers with some experience

Care conditions

  • Temperature: 22–28 °C
  • Humidity: 65–85%
  • Food: insects 2–3 times a week, sugars once or twice a week, water at all times

Hibernation

Not needed: the colony stays active all year.

Farm and colony growth

The colony is bought as a group of workers with a gamergate; there is no queen to buy. Not recommended for complete beginners.

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.

Catalog

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