Camponotus vestitus

• Queen: 11-13 mm
• Workers: 5-8 mm
• Majors: 8-10 mm

The workers are typically black, with a shiny appearance and sometimes with a reddish-brown hue on their thorax and legs. The queens, have a predominantly reddish color and black abdomen with a beautiful blue metallic sheen.

• 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

It is essential to remove any uneaten food from the ant enclosure regularly to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for your colony.

• Humidity: Arena: 40-60%, Nest: 50-60%
• Temperature: Arena: 22-30 °C, Nest: 21-25 °C

Developing a Camponotus vestitus colony is a rewarding and captivating experience. Here are some tips to help you successfully establish and grow your ant colony:

• Choosing the Right Enclosure: Select a suitable enclosure for your Camponotus vestitus colony. It should provide ample space for the ants to move around and have appropriate ventilation. A formicarium specifically designed for larger species like Camponotus vestitus is recommended. Check out amazing ant enclosures on AntonTop.
• Creating a Nest: Camponotus vestitus ants prefer nesting in cavities or galleries inside the enclosure. You can provide them with pre-made nesting spaces, such as test tubes or artificial nests designed for ant colonies. Ensure that the nesting area is easily accessible and kept clean.
• Introducing the Queen and Workers: To start your colony, you will need a queen and a few worker ants. You can purchase a queen with a small number of workers online or capture a queen during the nuptial flights. Introduce them to the nesting area and provide them with a food source.
• Feeding and Maintenance: Maintain a regular feeding schedule for your Camponotus vestitus colony. Offer them a variety of food sources and remove any uneaten food promptly. Monitor the health of your ants and address any issues, such as mold or pest infestation, promptly.
• Expansion and Growth: As the colony grows, it will require more space. Gradually provide them with additional nesting areas or expand the size of their enclosure. Monitor the population growth and adjust the feeding and maintenance routines accordingly.

Camponotus vestitus ants are truly remarkable creatures to keep and observe. Their impressive size and striking coloration make them a captivating addition to any ant keeping setup. By providing them with proper nutrition, maintaining optimal humidity and temperature conditions, and following the tips for colony development, you can ensure a successful and rewarding experience in caring for your Camponotus vestitus colony.