Camponotus nicobarensis

As a keeper of ants it’s next to impossible to go about your hobby without hearing a thing or two about this species. This is because it’s an exotic species from Asia that’s very easy to keep. Most species of the Camponotus genus are known to have a slow rate of brood development, but not this one. This species of Camponotus has a fast brood development rate and a wider range of acceptable climate conditions.

Size & colony type
Queen: aprox. 15mm – 16mm
Workers: aprox. 6mm – 12mm
Soldiers: n/a
Colony type: polygyne
Colony size: about 2,000 – 3,000 workers per colony
Keeping difficulty: Easy. They are relatively easy to keep even though they do require higher temperatures to thrive

Habitat
Distribution: Southern Asia
Habitat: often found in sandy area’s like a savanna
Natural nest: they often build their nests in pieces of dead wood, hollow rocks or other useful spaces that they come across
Suitable formicaria: Ytong-, plaster-, 3D- and acrylicnests are all suitable for this species
Recommended humidity: 50% – 70%
Recommended temperature: 22°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: may – june
Egg to worker: 6 to 8 weeks depending on how they are being kept