Camponotus fedtschenkoi – Colony with queen and workers

Description

Camponotus fedtschenkoi benefits from the Fourmiculture for our ants:
1. Breeding approved by the Veterinary Services, conducted by a specialist with a certificate of competence,
2. Free "Perfect Ant Keeper's Guide" and health record provided,
3. Ants guaranteed parasite-free,
4. Health demonstrated by the queen laying eggs and the presence of brood upon shipment,
5. No "boost" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
6. Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial refund in case of worker loss, full refund in case of queen loss (if delivered within 48 hours),

- invasive and non-endangered species,
9. Colony buyback and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions).

Camponotus fedtschenkoi (formerly turkestanus), native to Asia, with its remarkably pale yellow, almost transparent white workers, is an extraordinary species for discovering exotic ants at an affordable price. The queen can vary in color, from yellow to black on her back. Our colonies originate specifically from northeastern China and are accustomed to a light hibernation, which you can replicate by simply turning off the heating and leaving your colony at room temperature with humidity and food for 2 to 3 winter months.

Note: This species was formerly known as Camponotus turkestanus, but the names have been changed and reversed by taxonomists. It should not be confused with the older fedtschenkoi species from Inner Mongolia, which are more difficult to breed, larger, require long, cold wintering periods, and are significantly more expensive.

Very attractive, it integrates perfectly into your artificial ant farm. Rather calm, it primarily cares for its larvae and the interior of the colony, exploring a little more at night in search of food. It will appreciate a daytime temperature of 27°C for best results.

Camponotus fedtschenkoi is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts looking for an original, rare, and enjoyable species to keep long-term. It adapts very well to standard, relatively dry artificial nests (provide both a dry and a humid area). It is easy to feed with sugary liquids, either alone or mixed with protein. Consider offering small insects, tuna, cat food, hard-boiled eggs, etc.

Latin name:		Camponotus fedtschenkoi
Common name:		–
Taxonomy:		Subfamily: Formicinae Genus Camponotini
Difficulty of breeding:		(1) Easy to raise, monitor for escapes and provide heating.
Distribution :		Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China.
Natural habitat:		Steppe, bordering desert/wetter zone
Polygyny:		No, monogynous (maximum 1 queen per colony)
Queen :		Size: 12mm Colour: Yellow legs, black head and thorax, yellowish-black abdomen.
Female workers:		Size: 6-12mm Colour: Light yellow, almost white depending on age and origin. Black head in large major workers.
Soldier :		Not soldiers per se, but large 12mm major workers with powerful, dark heads.
Males:		Size: 8mm Color: assumed to be black
Food :		Sweetened liquids, insects and other protein sources, jellies, etc.
Air humidity:		Low ambient humidity in the hunting area, a very humid spot in the nest and a dry area.
Temperature:		Foraging area at room temperature or up to 35°C on a hot spot: 18 – 35°C Nest with a hot spot at 27-30°C for maximum growth.
Hibernation:		It is advisable to turn off the heating for 2 to 3 months if growth slows down at the end of the year.
Type of natural nest:		Dig in the ground, under some stones.
Nest type:		Tubes with some wet and some dry, large hunting areas with waterer and nest, Fourmiculture compatible nests, many possibilities.
Nest size:		Similar to Messor, allow for a medium to large size for the chambers (compatible with Ant Fourmiculturenests).
Substrate:		Not mandatory, otherwise mix sand and clay.
Plants:		No particular interactions, possibility of adding Tillandsia which like dry environments.
Decoration:		Driftwood, rocks, tillandsia, sand (dry environment).
Summary:		Camponotus fedtschenkoi is a superb and unusual species, notable for its distinctive color and easy to keep, originating from mainland Asia. Significant variations in coloration are possible depending on the colony and its geographic origin. Some workers are more yellow, while others have black markings.
Life cycle:		Swarming: in spring. Foundation: cloistered (the queen raises her workers alone). Colony size: Unknown, only 100 workers according to some sources, thousands according to others.
Quantity for sale:		1 fertilized queen + workers as per option.
Links:		- Reference

Photo: copyright Antstore