Crematogaster cf. opuntiae

Name: Camponotus sp. (Tunisia)
Origin: North Africa (Tunisia)
Queen: approx. 14 – 16 mm
Workers: approx. 6 – 9 mm
Diet: Carbohydrates (honey, sugar water, maple syrup), Proteins (insects such as flies, crickets, cockroaches)
Humidity:
• Arena: 30 – 50 %
• Nest: 50 – 70 %
Temperature:
• Arena: 24 – 30 °C
• Nest: 26 – 30 °C
Hibernation: Diapause at approx. 18 – 20 °C
Nest type: Ytong, plaster or 3D nests with dry and slightly moist areas
Colony size: approx. 1,000 – 5,000 workers

Advantages and Disadvantages of the species Camponotus sp. (Tunisia)

Advantages:
Heat-loving, robust and striking species that is easy to observe. Shows calm behavior and grows at a moderately fast rate when temperature and food are right.

Disadvantages:
Requires a lot of heat and a relatively dry arena. Often slow brood development in the initial phase. Not suitable for cool living spaces without an additional heat source.

Care

During the founding phase, a test tube nest with a small arena (10x10 cm) is sufficient. Later, you can switch to a larger, well-ventilated Ytong, plaster or 3D nest. An arena of at least 20x20 cm is recommended. This species is mostly diurnal and exhibits interesting foraging and transport behaviors.

Feeding

Offer proteins such as dead or blanched insects (flies, crickets, cockroaches) every 3–4 days. Carbohydrate sources (honey, sugar water) should always be available and changed regularly (at least once a week). At higher temperatures, activity and food intake increase significantly.

Hibernation / Diapause

A short resting phase (diapause) at 18–20 °C, during which activity and brood quantity decrease.