Camponotus mitis

This is a Japanese species of the Camponotus genus. They really require a more experienced antkeeper because they grow slowly and are easily scared. Smaller colonies tend to be really skittish and will usually avoid any and all conflict by running away. When the colony grows to a larger size (100+ workers) they become true members of the Camponotus genus in the sense that they become a lot more aggressive, which is a known trait of said genus. You’ll find that keeping them will become noticably easier when the colony has several dozen workers. The more workers the colony has the easier they become to keep.

Size & colony type
Queen: aprox. 14mm – 16mm
Workers: aprox. 8mm – 11mm
Soldiers: n/a
Colony type: monogyne
Colony size: about 300 – 400 workers per colony
Keeping difficulty: Moderate. They require higher temperatures

Habitat
Distribution: India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan
Habitat: often found in tropical rainforests
Natural nest: they often build their nests in dead wood
Suitable formicaria: Ytong-, plaster- and 3D nests are all suitable for this species
Recommended humidity: 50% – 70%
Recommended temperature: 24°C – 28°C
Nutrition: a sugar source such as honey or sugarwater and a protein source such as prey insects like crickets or fruitflies. Insect jelly is also a suitable feeder since it contains both sugar and protein and varius other beneficial components

Misc
Hibernation: no
Claustral: yes, no need to feed until the first workers arrive
Matingflight period: june – july on very damp days
Egg to worker: 8 to 12 weeks depending on how they are being kept