Enclosure

• Use a simple, well-ventilated container
• Plastic boxes with small air holes are ideal
• Substrate is optional; a thin, slightly moist layer can be used
• Place the colony inside a piece of wood (this serves as their nest)
• Add new wood pieces as the colony grows

Important:
Avoid sealed containers or very dry setups. A balance between airflow and moisture is essential.

Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temperature: 24–26°C
• Tolerates approximately 20–28°C
• Keep conditions stable and avoid fluctuations

• Maintain a slightly humid environment
• Wood should feel lightly moist, never dry
• Do not allow standing water or overly wet conditions

Important:
Dry conditions will kill the colony. Excess moisture increases the risk of mold.

Food (Wood)

• Feeds directly on the wood they inhabit
• Preferred wood types:
– oak
– birch
– other light hardwoods

• Slightly decayed or softened wood is strongly preferred
• Fresh, hard, dry wood is usually ignored

Important:
Always provide wood with some moisture content. Dry wood is unsuitable.

Maintenance

• Check moisture levels regularly
• Light misting when needed to maintain humidity
• Add fresh wood as the colony expands
• Remove moldy or deteriorated wood if necessary

Important:
Keep disturbance to a minimum. Stability is more important than frequent intervention.

Behavior

• Lives entirely inside wood
• Rarely leaves the nest
• Colony expands gradually by consuming wood

Important:
Low visible activity is normal. Most of the colony remains hidden inside the wood.

Summary

• Temperature: 24–26°C
• Humidity: slightly moist, never dry
• Food: soft, slightly decayed hardwood
• Setup: simple, wood-based enclosure
• Difficulty: very easy