Silky Carpenter Ant

Workers measure 7–11 mm, with a broad, robust head and mesosoma. The body surface is coarsely sculptured, and the gaster is densely covered in fine golden, silk-like pubescence that gives it a glossy sheen in the light.

Widely distributed from Africa through South and Southeast Asia, including Thailand. It favors dry, semi-arid habitats, orchards, riverbank zones, and acacia trees, nesting under stones in dry soil.

Notable Behavior: A Daytime Forager

Unlike most large carpenter ants, which are typically nocturnal, the Silky Carpenter Ant forages throughout the day despite its large, conspicuous size. It uses tandem running for recruitment — one ant leads another to a food source through continuous physical contact.

It's a generalist feeder, taking both plant nectar and small insects. Average colony size is modest compared to many other carpenter ant species.

This is a moderate species to keep, requiring drier conditions than most rainforest carpenter ants. The colony size listed (150–400 workers) reflects a typical mature colony size, which is fairly modest compared to other carpenter ants.

Good to Know

The Silky Carpenter Ant is one of the few large carpenter ants that tolerates sunlight and stays active throughout the day, making it a species of interest to behavioral researchers and keepers who want to observe ant activity in daylight.

The ideal temperature range is 25–32°C, reflecting its adaptation to dry conditions. Humidity should stay low to moderate at 40–60% — avoid excess moisture, which can encourage mold. Feed with sugar water alongside small insects.