Odontoponera transversa

They say that these ants are pretty common in several Asian countries, which is rather odd considering how difficult they are to obtain. This species of the Odontoponera genus has quite a painful sting, but rarely use their stings and seem to reserve them for when they get attacked or hunt for prey. They also have a very strong bite as is evident just by looking at their mandibles. They are solitary hunters that usually only go after insects that are about their size or smaller.

Another thing that makes these ants quite special is that some workers are actually able to lay eggs even if they have never mated before, but don’t let that fool you; they are quite tricky to keep. They don’t readily accept every feeder insect that you offer and they don’t always go for honey or sugar water either. On top of that they require high levels of humidity and a heating device such as a heating mat or heating cable is an absolute must. They also require some type of soil (cocopeat or sand for example) in their nest to help with brood development.

Size & colony type
Queen: aprox. 12mm
Workers: aprox. 10mm – 12mm
Soldiers: n/a
Colony type: monogyne
Colony size: about 200 – 300 workers per colony
Keeping difficulty: Moderate. Require higher temperatures and humidity

Habitat
Distribution: Southeast Asia
Habitat: often found in tropical rainforests
Natural nest: they often build their nests underground and under rocks
Suitable formicaria: Ytong-, plaster-, and 3D nests are all suitable for this species
Recommended humidity: 60% – 80%
Recommended temperature: 24°C – 28°C
Nutrition: a sugar source such as honey or sugar water and a protein source such as prey insects like crickets or fruitflies. Insect jelly is also a suitable feeder since it contains both sugar and protein and varius other beneficial components

Misc
Hibernation: no
Claustral: no, you will need to feed regularly
Matingflight period: june – september
Egg to worker: 8 to 10 weeks depending on how they are being kept