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About Camponotus cruentatus
European Species- Carpenter Ants
Temperature: Nest 21- 25°C Outworld 20- 28°C
Humidity: Nest 50- 70% Outworld 30- 60%
Hibernation: Yes, from the end of November to early March at 15°C.
Diet: Water (at all times). Carbohydrates like honey water/ sugar water or other. Protein like fresh-killed insects or other.
Colony form: Monogyne (one queen per colony) Average 7,000 workers per colony.
Founding Queen: Claustral (without feeding)
Nest type: Acrylic, 3D Printed, Natural setup, Ytong if encased.
Sizes: Queen- 16- 17mm/ Worker- 7- 10mm/ Major 14- 16mm
Bite/ Sting/ Formic acid: No
Description: Camponotus cruentatus, often known as the Red Carpenter Ant, is a remarkable species distinguished by its vibrant reddish-brown coloration and considerable size. As one of the largest ant species in Europe, Camponotus cruentatus stands out not only for its striking appearance but also for its impressive colony structure and behavior.Workers of Camponotus cruentatus are robust and display a range of sizes from minor to major, with major workers being particularly large and powerful. The queen, even more imposing, is significantly larger and features a deep red hue that highlights her role as the colony’s centerpiece. This species' size and coloration make it an eye-catching addition to any ant enthusiast’s collection.These ants are known for their exceptional nest-building skills. They create elaborate nests by excavating wood, which they carefully hollow out to form an intricate network of chambers and tunnels. This ability to manipulate their environment not only provides protection and a suitable habitat for the colony’s brood but also showcases their advanced engineering capabilities.Camponotus cruentatus thrives in a variety of habitats, including temperate woodlands and forests. They are effective foragers, collecting a diverse range of food sources, from insects to plant matter. Their large size and powerful mandibles enable them to tackle a variety of tasks and defend their nests against intruders.The impressive size and vibrant appearance of Camponotus cruentatus, coupled with their complex social structure and nest-building prowess, make them a captivating species for both novice and experienced ant keepers. Their status as one of Europe’s largest ants adds an extra dimension to their allure, making them a standout choice for anyone interested in studying or observing these fascinating insects.
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Camponotus cruentatus
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