Camponotus nicobarensis – Exotic Carpenter Ant

Camponotus nicobarensis is a fascinating, heat-loving ant species from Southeast Asia. Particularly striking are its beautiful reddish-brown to dark brown coloration, its active lifestyle, and the varying sizes of its worker ants.

This species is very well suited for beginners in keeping exotic ants and develops relatively quickly at suitable temperatures.

🌴 A fascinating exotic ant species

Camponotus nicobarensis originates from Southeast Asia and prefers warm habitats. In nature, the species uses dead wood, bamboo, and various cavities as nesting sites.

The worker ants show different sizes and colorations and can grow to about 6–12 mm. The queen reaches approximately 12–16 mm.

Particularly interesting is the high activity of the species. It is primarily active at dusk and at night, but can also be frequently observed during the day in larger colonies.

🐜 Profile

• Scientific Name: Camponotus nicobarensis

• Origin: Southeast Asia

• Queen: approx. 12–16 mm

• Workers: approx. 6–12 mm

• Colony Size: several thousand animals possible

• Activity: predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal

• Hibernation: No

• Temperature: ideally about 24–28 °C in the nest

• Difficulty Level: ⭐ Easy

• Development: comparatively fast

🏡 Keeping

Camponotus nicobarensis is a heat-loving species and should be kept permanently at suitable temperatures. Temperatures of about 24–28 °C are often recommended for the nest. Slightly lower temperatures are also possible in the outworld.

For founding, a test tube nest is sufficient at first. As the colony grows, a correspondingly larger nest and a spacious outworld should be provided.

Suitable options include cork, plaster, Ytong, or acrylic nests. The species likes to use cavities in nature and excavates comparatively little.

Particular attention should be paid to adequate water supply and reliable escape prevention.

🍯 Nutrition

Camponotus nicobarensis accepts both sugar-rich and protein-rich food.

Suitable options include:

• Honey or sugar water

• Fruits

• Roaches

• Flies

• Crickets

• Other suitable feeder insects

Sugar-rich food primarily provides energy, while protein-rich food is particularly important for brood development.

☀️ No classical hibernation

Unlike many native ant species, Camponotus nicobarensis does not require classical hibernation. The colony can be kept active year-round under suitable conditions.

This characteristic is particularly interesting for keepers who want to observe a year-round active colony.

⭐ Why Camponotus nicobarensis?

✔ Fascinating exotic ant species
✔ Ideal for beginners in keeping exotic species
✔ No classical hibernation
✔ Active year-round
✔ Striking reddish-brown to dark coloration
✔ Worker ants of varying sizes
✔ Relatively fast colony growth
✔ Very active and interesting species
✔ Exciting social behavior
✔ Several thousand animals possible in larger colonies

📦 Scope of delivery

Depending on the selected variant, you will receive:

Queen + Brood

or

Queen + Workers + Brood

The exact number of workers and the available brood will be specified for each variant.

Note: The development of an ant colony is a natural process. The number and size of brood and workers may therefore vary slightly.

⚠️ Important notice

Live animals are not ordinary commodities. Please inform yourself about the regulations applicable to your place of residence and about the species-appropriate keeping of Camponotus nicobarensis before purchasing.

Since this is an exotic, heat-loving species, a suitable housing option with adequate temperature and water supply should be prepared before purchase.