Everything you need for a Camponotus nicobarensis ant colony
Camponotus nicobarensis is a relatively large species of the genus Camponotus and, unlike other Camponotus species, develops rather quickly. It is very well suited for beginners in the ant keeping hobby, but needs certain temperatures in order to be able to grow well. It is mostly nocturnal, but can also be observed well during the day, especially in larger colonies. However, high activity all day long can indicate a lack of food. Due to their reddish brown to dark reddish brown color and the comparatively low requirements for keeping ants, Camponotus nicobaresis has become one of the most popular species for keeping ants in recent years. In addition, it does not need hibernation and can be observed well all year round. In the wild, it lives in the semi-deserts and steppes of Southeast Asia. It is oligogynous, so over time it can develop several queens who live spatially separated from each other.
Food for Camponotus nicobarensis
Camponotus nicobarensis feeds on honey water and small living or dead insects, but fruits are also gladly accepted. As an alternative to insects, our protein substitute feed can also be given. However, "fresh" proteins are better for the development of the colony. Water should also be made available.
Formicarium for Camponotus nicobarensis
Camponotus nicobarensis is best kept in our Starter Kits L with a cork nest insert. In the wild, the animals mostly live in rotten wood, but are happy to take any form of natural hollow space to build their nests. Our cork nest inserts were best accepted for keeping in the Formicarium due to their similarity to rotten wood. Alternatively, gypsum nest inserts can be used to simulate cavities between stones.
Sand-loam mixtures with grasses and mosses as plants are suitable as a substrate and decoration of the Formicarium.
Due to the special demands on the climate in the Formicarium, we recommend the use of technology to control the temperature and humidity.
The best climatic conditions for Camponotus nicobarensis are as follows:
Humidity: Arena: 30 - 50% Nest area: 50 - 70%
Temperature: Arena: 21 - 35 ° C Nest area: 24 - 28 ° C
Camponotus nicobarensis is very tolerant when it comes to the climatic conditions in the Formicarium and can also tolerate room temperatures over a longer period of time.
