Camponotus pseudoirritans

This species of the Camponotus genus is fairly well known for their high variability in colouration. Not only are they polymorphic, but some workers are dark, some are light, some look brown and others might look yellowish. It is one of the many reasons that watching them is so much fun. Using a heating device such as a heating mat or heating cable is really recommended as to help their otherwise slow rate of brood development.

Size & colony type
Queen: aprox. 14mm
Workers: aprox. 7mm – 14mm
Soldiers: n/a
Colony type: monogyne
Colony size: about 2000 – 4000 workers per colony
Keeping difficulty: Fairly easy. They require higher temperatures

Habitat
Distribution: China
Habitat: often found in rainforests
Natural nest: they often build their nests underground and under rocks
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
Egg to worker: 8 to 12 weeks depending on how they are being kept