Camponotus herculeanus – Colony with Queen and workers

Description

The Antculture Charter on our Ants:
1. Breeding approved by Veterinary Services, carried out by a specialist under certificate of capacity,
2. Guide to the Perfect Antculturist offered and satin sheet provided,
3. Ants guaranteed to be parasite-free,
4. Health demonstrated by egg laying of the queen and the presence of brood at shipping,
5. No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell the colonies more quickly),
6. Guaranteed delivery in good health: partial refund in the event of loss of workers, total in the event of loss of the queen (if delivered within 48 hours),
8. Species present in France, non-invasive and not threatened,
9. Colony taken back and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions) .
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Offered with your colony: “The Perfect Antculturist’s Guide”
with more than 10 PDF pages to know your ants and take care of them!

Very nice species feeding on liquids like our diluted nutrient powder and small insects. The impressive size of the queen, then of the workers that grow larger over time, makes Camponotus ligniperdus or herculeanus (the 2 species are similar) very captivating to observe.

Lover of wood, it will live without difficulty in the majority of artificial anthills but will particularly appreciate a nest made of cork or wood. It is possible to offer him wood chips to help him build his nest.

A high temperature is necessary for its development (27°C) and Camponotus herculeanus being more fragile than other species, it is advisable to take good care of it by minimizing stress (vibrations, too strong light, too much space in the beginning etc).

Often not recommended for beginners, perfect conditions and quality equipment nevertheless make it possible to obtain spectacular results from the first year.

Size of the queen Camponotus herculeanus: about 15mm
Size of the workers: 6/7mm.
Up to 15mm for the majors who arrive later in the colony. Day temperature: 27-30°C for good development
Night temperature: 19-24°C.
Humidity: Low.
Only small part of the nest should be moist. Wintering: 3 months at 8 to 17°C, possibly shorter.
Keep an eye on the humidity and continue to feed the ants during this period. Species incompatible with gel anthills, like all colonies with a queen!

Photo 1: © Yvain Samuel. Photos 2 & 3: © Christophe Quintin. Gallery HERE.