Camponotus cruentatus

Name: Camponotus cruentatus
Origin: Southern Europe – mainly Spain, Portugal, Southern France
Queen: approx. 14 – 16 mm
Workers: approx. 6 – 12 mm (polymorphic)
Diet: Carbohydrates (honey, sugar water, maple syrup), proteins (insects like flies, crickets, cockroaches)
Humidity:
• Arena: 30 – 50 %
• Nest: 50 – 70 %
Temperature:
• Arena: 24 – 30 °C
• Nest: 26 – 30 °C
Hibernation: Yes, approx. 3 – 4 months at 10 – 15 °C
Nest type: Ytong, plaster, 3D, or sand-loam nests with good ventilation
Colony size: approx. 2,000 – 5,000 workers

Advantages and Disadvantages of the species Camponotus cruentatus

Advantages:
One of the largest and most attractive European Camponotus species with distinctive black and red coloration. Very robust, thermophilic, and active in the arena. The pronounced polymorphism feature ensures diverse observations.

Disadvantages:
Slow growing in the founding phase, therefore patience is required. Later, they need more space and consistently warm conditions. Can react defensively when disturbed.

Care

For founding, a test tube nest with a small arena is sufficient. As the colony grows, a large, well-ventilated nest with slight humidification and an arena of at least 20×20 cm is recommended. They are very active, enjoy exploration opportunities, and benefit from climbing structures.

Feeding

Offer proteins every 2–3 days in the form of insects (e.g., crickets, flies, cockroaches).

Hibernation

Camponotus cruentatus requires hibernation of approx. 3–4 months at 10 – 15 °C