Formicinae
Beginner
Camponotus ligniperda
European carpenter ant, red wood ant relative
One of the most popular beginner species in Europe. Large polymorphic workers, fast-growing colonies, and a founding queen that claustrally raises her first brood without feeding. Native to warm, wooded areas of Central and Southern Europe.
Origin
Central & Southern Europe
Worker size
6–17 mm
Optimal temp
22–26°C
Humidity
60%
Care notes
Requires a winter hibernation period of 3-4 months at 5-10°C. Excavates wood-adjacent substrate; do well in a wooden or acrylic nest with high humidity chamber.
Diet
Sugar water, honey, and a varied protein diet of crickets, mealworms and fruit flies.