Camponotus xiangban

Camponotus Xiangban, whose actual name is Camponotus mutilarius, is a species of ants that are known for their colouration and size. They are dark with a lot of reddish spots and are known to be very ‘hairy’. They could really use an experienced antkeeper because they are known to be quite skittish. The reason they are called “Xiangban” is because they often exude a pleasant fragrance and “Xiangban” is Chinese for sweet aroma.

Size & colony type
Queen: aprox. 13mm – 15mm
Workers: aprox. 6mm – 12mm
Soldiers: n/a
Colony type: monogyne
Colony size: about 2000 – 4000 workers per colony
Keeping difficulty: Moderate. They require higher temperatures

Habitat
Distribution: Asia
Habitat: often found in tropical 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