Camponotus fedtschenkoi

Name: Camponotus fedtschenkoi
Origin: Central Asia (especially Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan)
Queen: approx. 13 – 15 mm
Workers: approx. 6 – 8 mm
Food: Carbohydrates (e.g. honey, sugar water, maple syrup), proteins (e.g. flies, cockroaches, crickets)
Humidity:
• Arena: 30 – 50%
• Nest: 50 – 70%
Temperature:
• Arena: 22 – 28 °C
• Nest: 24 – 28 °C
Hibernation: Yes, 3 – 4 months at approx. 10 – 12 °C
Nest type: Ytong, gypsum or sand-clay nests are particularly suitable
Colony size: approx. 1,000 – 3,000 workers

Advantages and disadvantages of the species Camponotus fedtschenkoi

Advantages:

Camponotus fedtschenkoi is a beautifully colored species with contrasting tones (often reddish-yellow-black). It is robust, adaptable, and easy to control due to its moderate colony size. It is particularly suitable for beginners with a little patience.

Disadvantages:

Brood development can be slow, especially during the founding period. Consistent hibernation is necessary for the healthy development of the colony.

attitude

Camponotus fedtschenkoi is relatively easy to care for, but requires a period of hibernation for successful colony development.

A test tube with a small arena (10×10 cm) is sufficient for the initial setup. Later, a well-ventilated nest made of Ytong, gypsum, or sand-clay is recommended, along with an arena at least 20×20 cm in size.

This species is active during the day and at dusk. It exhibits calm behavior, which makes it particularly attractive for observation.

Feeding

Camponotus fedtschenkoi is easy to feed.

Every 3-4 days, protein-rich insects such as cockroaches, crickets or flies should be offered – preferably dead or scalded.

Carbohydrates such as honey or sugar water should be available at all times. Sugar water should be replaced at least weekly to avoid hygiene problems.

Hibernation

Camponotus fedtschenkoi requires a real winter dormancy .

The colony should be kept at approximately 10–12 °C for 3–4 months. During this time, the animals greatly reduce their activity and require little food—carbohydrates should still be available in small amounts, and proteins are not necessary.

After hibernation, breeding begins quickly under good conditions.