Camponotus herculeanus

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The Camponotus herculeanus is a monogynous ant species with colony sizes of up to 5000 workers. They have a slow development rate. The queen measures 16-18 mm, workers measure 8-12 mm, and the majors measure 11-15 mm. They have a red-breast and black head and belly. Their nutrition includes food insects, syrup, fruit, vegetables, and jelly.

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Product care

The most important thing is that you read the temperature conditions, moisture and what to feed the ants. It is important not to introduce too small a colony into a large formicarium, much less just one queen. It’s good if the formicarium is divided by partitions and if the first chamber is very small (such as in our Comfort formicarium). We recommend reading more information about keeping ants in our blogs!

Product details

Difficulty in breeding	For intermediates
Behavior	Moderate
Wintering	Wintering
The size of ants	Large
Origin	Europe

Description

Camponotus herculeanus: A Fascinating Species of Ant

Welcome to the world of Camponotus herculeanus, a fascinating species of ant. If you’re looking to start your own ant colony, these ants are a great choice. Let’s dive into the details of this amazing species and explore why they are such a popular choice for ant enthusiasts.

Colony Type and Size

Camponotus herculeanus colonies have a unique social structure known as monogyny, meaning they have only one queen. This queen ant, measuring an impressive 16-18 mm in size, truly rules the ant world. The colony size can reach up to 5000 workers, ranging from 8-12 mm in size. Majors, which are specialized worker ants, can grow up to 11-15 mm in size.

Appearance

Camponotus herculeanus ants are truly a sight to behold. They showcase a beautiful combination of red and black colors. The workers have a vibrant redbreast, while their head and belly are black. This unique coloration sets them apart from other ant species and adds to their allure.

Development Rate

These ants have a slow development rate compared to other ant species. It is important to keep this in mind when establishing and maintaining a colony. Patience is key when dealing with Camponotus herculeanus, as they take their time to grow and flourish.

Nutrition

Providing a balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of your Camponotus herculeanus colony. These ants are omnivorous and have a varied diet. It is recommended to include food insects such as cockroaches and crickets in their diet. Additionally, they enjoy syrup made from a mixture of water and honey in a ratio of 4:1. Fruit, vegetables, jelly, and cooked chicken without salt can also be offered to satisfy their nutritional needs.

Environment

Creating the right environment for your Camponotus herculeanus colony is essential for their overall well-being. Humidity levels in the arena should be maintained between 20-40%, while in the nests it should be kept at 30-50%. The temperature is also an important factor, with the ideal range for the arena being 18-28 °C and the nests being kept at 20-24 °C. Monitoring and adjusting these conditions will create a comfortable and thriving habitat for your ants.

Recommended Nests

Choosing the right nest for your Camponotus herculeanus colony is key to their success. There are various options available, including acrylic, cork, plaster, aerated concrete, and wooden nests. Each material has its own advantages and considerations, so it’s important to research and select the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

In conclusion, Camponotus herculeanus is an extraordinary species of ant that offers an exciting and rewarding ant-keeping experience. From their unique monogynous colony structure to their stunning appearance and specific dietary and environmental needs, these ants are a true wonder of nature. By providing the right conditions and care, you can witness the growth and development of a thriving Camponotus herculeanus colony.