Camponotus nicobarensis

Name: Camponotus nicobarensis
Origin: Southeast Asia (including China, India, Thailand)
Queen: approx. 12 – 14 mm
Workers: approx. 6 – 10 mm
Food: Carbohydrates (e.g., honey, sugar water, agave syrup), proteins (feeder animals, e.g., cockroaches, flies, crickets)

Humidity:
Arena: 40 – 60%
Nest: 60 – 80%

Temperature:
Arena: 24 – 28 degrees
Nest: 24 – 28 degrees

Hibernation: No

Nest type: We recommend Ytong, plaster or 3D nests with good ventilation and humidifiable areas!

Colony size: approx. 5,000 – 10,000 workers

Advantages and disadvantages of the species Camponotus nicobarensis:

Advantages:
Camponotus nicobarensis is an extremely active and colorful species that enjoys exploring and is often visible outside the nest. It grows rapidly, is robust, and displays fascinating social behavior. Ideal for beginners with some experience.

Disadvantages:
Due to their rapid colony development, they soon require more space. Furthermore, if the environment is too dry, they may attempt to escape. Therefore, effective escape prevention is essential.

Attitude:
Camponotus nicobarensis is easy to keep.

Initially, a test-tube nest in a small arena (10×10 cm) is sufficient. As the colony grows, it should be expanded to a larger nest and an arena of at least 20×20 cm. They are active both day and night, but especially at dusk and in low light.

Feeding:
Camponotus nicobarensis accepts food reliably.

Offer proteins (e.g., cockroaches, flies, crickets) every 3-4 days – preferably frozen or blanched to prevent parasites. Carbohydrates are reliably accepted.

Advantages and disadvantages of the species Camponotus brevis:

Advantages:
Camponotus brevis's calm behavior makes it ideal for observation. The animals are diurnal and exhibit exciting feeding behavior.

Disadvantages:
This species requires consistently high temperatures and humidity, making it somewhat more challenging to keep. Without consistent conditions, brood growth quickly stagnates.

Attitude:
Camponotus brevis is a tropical species that requires constant warmth and humidity.

To begin with, a test-tube nest with a small arena (10×10 cm) is sufficient. Later, you can upgrade to a larger arena (20×20 cm or more) with a humid nest. A tropical-proof setup with a heat mat or heating cable is recommended.

The species is rather quiet, flees when disturbed and is therefore pleasant to keep.

Feeding:
Feeding is uncomplicated.

Offer protein every 2-3 days in the form of cockroaches, flies, crickets or larvae (kill them beforehand by freezing or scalding to prevent mites).

Carbohydrate sources such as honey or sugar water should be offered continuously and renewed weekly to avoid poisoning from fermentation or mold.

Hibernation:
Camponotus brevis does not require hibernation !

This tropical species is active year-round, but its development may stagnate at temperatures below 22 degrees.

Make sure the nest is sufficiently warm and humid, even in winter. During quieter periods, it's sufficient to offer proteins less frequently, but carbohydrates should always be available.