Camponotus lateralis

Name: Camponotus lateralis (common name: hollow-backed wood ant)
Origin: Southern and Central Europe, Mediterranean region (including Italy, Spain, the Balkans), Asia Minor, the Caucasus, NW Africa
Queen: approx. 8.5 – 10 mm
Workers: approx. 4 – 7 mm
Food: Honey or sugar water, as well as insects (e.g. fruit flies, small crickets)
Humidity: Low – the nest should only be very lightly moistened; otherwise keep rather dry
Temperature:
During the day: approx. 27 degrees
At night: approx. 19 – 24 degrees
Winter Dormancy: Yes, a shortened winter dormancy of approx. 2 months at 10 – 18 degrees
Nest Type: Deadwood or plexiglass/acrylic nests, generally kept rather dry
Colony Size: up to approx. 2,000 workers (monogynous)

Advantages and Disadvantages of Camponotus lateralis:

Advantages:
A dainty, prettily marked (two-toned) carpenter ant species from the Mediterranean region with interesting behavior – some color morphs even visually mimic the defensive Crematogaster scutellaris.

Disadvantages:
A rather rarely kept and poorly documented species with comparatively slow development (only 2 – 3 brood cycles per year). Less suitable for beginners expecting fast colony growth.

Care:
Test tube nest at first, later a deadwood or acrylic nest with a predominantly dry arena.

Feeding:
Offer honey or sugar water, as well as feeder insects regularly.

Winter Dormancy:
Maintain a shortened winter dormancy of approx. 2 months at 10 – 18 degrees in a cool location.