Camponotus ligniperda

The biggest european carpenter ant

Origin : Germany

Geographical distribution: Continental Europe 

Breeding level: intermediate

Habitat :  woodland and forested areas, often nesting in decaying wood or under bark. They can also be found in urban environments, especially in gardens and parks.

Colony form: monogenous (only one queen per colony)

Colony size: 3.000 - 7.000

Size : queen: 15 - 18 mm, workers: 5 to 10 mm, major:14 to 16 mm long

Color : Black and light red-brown thorax

Queen lifespan: up to 15 years

Food:  Principally sweet liquids, jellies... but needs proteins too with  fruit flies, little parts of crickets or cockroaches...

Humidity: 50-60%.

Temperature:  21 - 25°C.

Hibernation: Yes, fromfrom early November to late March at temperatures of 6-10°C.

Nest type:  Wooden nests, Ytong, plaster, acrylic, 3D printed nests. Be Aware : Their mandibles can dig into wood, plaster and ytong if they feel cramped in a nest that's too small

Camponotus ligniperda is one of Europe's largest ant species. Because they hibernate longer and colder than many other species, their development is slow. They do well in relatively dry nests, and at low temperatures. This makes them a low-maintenance species if these factors (5-month hibernation, humidity and temperature) are respected.