Description
Name: Camponotus cf. mus
Origin: Guyana
Queen: approx. 14 – 16 mm
Workers: approx. 6 – 9 mm
Food: Carbohydrates (honey, sugar water, maple syrup), proteins (insects such as flies, crickets, cockroaches)
Humidity:
• Arena: 30 – 50 %
• Nest: 50 – 70 %
Temperature:
• Arena: 24 – 30 °C
• Nest: 26 – 30 °C
Winter Dormancy: No
Nest Type: Ytong, plaster, or 3D nests with dry and slightly moist areas
Colony Size: approx. 1,000 – 5,000 workers
Advantages and Disadvantages of Camponotus cf. mus
Advantages:
A robust, heat-loving species with moderate growth and excellent observation potential. The colonies are calmer than many other Camponotus species, making them suitable for keepers who want development that's easy to keep track of. No winter dormancy needed – active year-round.
Disadvantages:
Needs constant warmth and can become very sluggish in conditions that are too cool. Brood development is often slow in the initial phase, until the colony reaches a critical size.
Care
A test tube nest with a small arena (10×10 cm) is sufficient for founding. Later, a well-ventilated Ytong, plaster, or 3D nest with a separate humid area is recommended. An arena of at least 20×20 cm is ideal. This species is mostly active during the day and shows interesting foraging and transport behavior.
Feeding
Offer proteins (dead or scalded insects such as flies, crickets, cockroaches) every 3–4 days. Keep carbohydrates (honey, sugar water) permanently available and change them at least weekly. Activity and food intake increase noticeably at higher temperatures.