Asian carpenter ant (Camponotus nicobarensis)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Asian carpenter ant (Camponotus nicobarensis) (origin: South-East Asia). Adult size around worker 5–12 mm, queen 13–16 mm. Life expectancy queen 10–15 years, worker 2–3 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Asian carpenter ant: How big does the enclosure need to be?
Nest from 20×15 cm plus a foraging area from 40×25 cm.
Asian carpenter ant: What temperature does it need?
Daytime arena 21–35 °C, nest 24–28 °C, at night no drop needed.
Asian carpenter ant: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Asian carpenter ant: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: queen 10–15 years, worker 2–3 years.
Asian carpenter ant: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- arena 21–35 °C, nest 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- no drop needed
- Humidity
- nest 50–70 %, foraging area 30–50 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- nest from 20×15 cm plus a foraging area from 40×25 cm
- Substrate
- An aerated-concrete or cork nest; bamboo tubes are readily accepted
Feeding
- Food
- Sugar water plus insects — flies and mosquitoes are preferred
- Feeding interval
- sugar always available, insects 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- worker 5–12 mm, queen 13–16 mm
- Life expectancy
- queen 10–15 years, worker 2–3 years
- Origin
- South-East Asia
- Protection status
- —
- Brumation
- No — active all year round
- Cohabitation
- One colony per enclosure. These animals live in groups by nature and do badly on their own. Never merge two colonies — strange animals are not simply accepted. Keep an eye on food and humidity as the colony grows.
Notes
The beginner's species for anyone who does not want to or cannot organise a winter rest: active all year, quick to grow, and forgiving of mistakes. It becomes populous — plan for space.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Brown-black carpenter ant (Camponotus ligniperda) – Intermediate
- Mediterranean carpenter ant (Camponotus barbaricus) – Intermediate
- Black carpenter ant (Camponotus herculeanus) – Intermediate
- Leafcutter ant (Acromyrmex octospinosus) – Experts
- Nylander's acorn ant (Temnothorax nylanderi) – Beginner
- European fire ant (Manica rubida) – Intermediate
- Harvester ant (Messor barbarus) – Beginner
- Yellow meadow ant (Lasius flavus) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Asian carpenter ant (Camponotus nicobarensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (nest from 20×15 cm plus a foraging area from 40×25 cm), substrate (An aerated-concrete or cork nest; bamboo tubes are readily accepted), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: ameiseninfos.de, antbay.de, antcheck.info, antstore.net, eu_annex.txt (lokal, VO (EU) 2026/1383)
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).