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Camponotus nigriceps (Queen with eggs and workers)
Camponotus nigriceps (Queen with eggs and workers)
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Caring for aĀ Camponotus nigricepsĀ queen with eggs and workers is a straightforward process, as they are a beginner-friendly species native to Australia. The key is providing the right environment for the colony to thrive and grow.Ā
Housing
Your colony can be kept in a simple test tube setup during the early stages.Ā
- Setup:Ā Place the queen, eggs, and workers in a test tube with a cotton ball separating them from a water reservoir. This setup mimics the small, humid chamber a founding queen would create in the wild.
- Transitioning:Ā Once the colony has grown to about 10 workers, you can move them to a small nest. Suitable options include acrylic, plaster, or Ytong nests.Ā
Environment
- Temperature:Ā Maintain a temperature of 24ā28Ā°C (75ā82Ā°F) in the nest area to promote healthy growth. You can use a heat mat placed at one end of the nest to create a temperature gradient, allowing the ants to choose their ideal spot.
- Humidity:Ā Provide a moderate humidity of 50ā60% in the nest. This can be achieved by hydrating the nest once or twice a week, depending on your setup.
- Light:Ā Keep the colony in a dark, quiet location. Exposure to bright light can stress the queen, causing her to eat her eggs or brood. A test tube cover or a dark cloth can help create a sense of security.Ā
Feeding
- Sugars:Ā Provide a constant supply of sugary foods for the workers, such as honey, sugar water, or other commercial ant nectar.
- Protein:Ā Once the first workers (known as "nanitics") have emerged, offer protein sources like small insects (e.g., crickets or mealworms) every 5 to 7 days. Protein is crucial for the colony's growth.Ā
Activity and development
- Founding type:Ā Camponotus nigricepsĀ are claustral, meaning the queen does not need to be fed during the initial founding stage before the first workers arrive. She draws on her wing muscle reserves for energy during this time.
- Activity:Ā This species is typically more active in the evening and at night.
- Caste system:Ā Camponotus nigricepsĀ workers are polymorphic, meaning they come in different sizes, including minor and major workers. The major workers will appear as the colony grows.
- Growth speed:Ā The colony's growth rate is moderate. It may take longer than some other ant species to produce workers, so patience is important.Ā
Winter break
- While they don't truly hibernate, a winter break at room temperature from November to March is recommended. This simulates the natural seasonal changes they would experience.Ā
Maintenance
- Cleaning:Ā Keep the setup clean by removing any debris or dead insects.
- Disturbance:Ā Avoid disturbing the colony excessively, as this can be stressful for the ants.
- Observation:Ā Check on the colony once or twice a week to monitor its progress and health
