Camponotus foreli

Name: Camponotus foreli
Origin: Spain
Queen: approx. 13 – 15 mm
Workers: approx. 6 – 10 mm (polymorphic)
Food: 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: Southern European hibernation
Nest type: Ytong, plaster, or 3D nests with a slightly humid nest chamber
Colony size: approx. 1,000 – 5,000 workers

Advantages and Disadvantages of the species Camponotus foreli

Advantages:
Attractive, bicolored species with striking large workers. It is robust, active, and very easy to observe. No hibernation is required, making it interesting year-round. Colonies grow at a moderately fast rate with optimal care.

Disadvantages:
During the founding phase, brood development is rather slow, which requires patience. Warmth is crucial – growth stagnates under excessively cool conditions. Due to their size, they will later require a lot of space.

Care

During the founding phase, a test tube nest with a small arena is sufficient. As the colony grows, a well-ventilated nest (e.g., Ytong or plaster) with a slightly humid chamber is recommended. An arena of 20×20 cm or more and climbing opportunities ensure species-appropriate activity. Escape protection is important as they possess powerful mandibles.

Feeding

Offer proteins (insects like flies, crickets, cockroaches) every 2–3 days.