Camponotus laevigatus

• Queen: 4-17 mm
• Workers: 5-9 mm
• Majors: 8-16 mm

These ants have a glossy black color, adding to their aesthetic appeal.

• Food insects (such as cockroaches and crickets) dead, or live if colony is big
• Syrup (a mixture of water and honey or sugar, with a ratio of 4/3 water:1)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Jelly
• Cooked chicken without salt, shrimps
• Honey

By incorporating these food sources into their diet, you can ensure that your Camponotus laevigatus ants receive the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.

• Humidity: Arena: 40-60%, Nest: 50-60%
• Temperature: Arena: 22-28 °C, Nest: 22-26 °C

When starting your own Camponotus laevigatus colony, it’s important to provide them with the right conditions to ensure successful reproduction and growth. Here are some tips:

• Choosing the Right Nest: Camponotus laevigatus ants prefer nests with multiple chambers and a combination of humidity and temperature control mechanisms. **Consider using a formicarium** made of acrylic or glass with easy access to food and water.
• Colony Setup: Introduce the queen to the nest and provide her with a small group of workers. Ensure they have sufficient food and water sources, and monitor the colony regularly for growth and expansion.
• Feeding: As mentioned earlier, provide a varied diet to your colony, consisting of insects, syrup, fruit, vegetables, jelly, and cooked chicken without salt. Observe their feeding patterns and adjust the quantity and frequency accordingly.
• Observation and Care: Regular observation of your colony will help you identify any issues or changes in behavior. **Perform maintenance tasks** such as cleaning the nest, monitoring the humidity and temperature, and managing food sources on a regular basis.

In summary, Camponotus laevigatus ants are fascinating creatures that can be kept and cared for in a captive environment. By providing them with the right diet, humidity, temperature, and nesting conditions, you can ensure the health and wellbeing of your colony. Whether you are a seasoned ant enthusiast or a beginner, starting a Camponotus laevigatus colony can be a rewarding experience. Make sure to follow the guidelines and enjoy observing these large gloss black ants from the USA thrive under your care.