Mediterranean carpenter ant (Camponotus barbaricus)

Short answers

Mediterranean carpenter ant: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Nest from 20×15 cm plus a foraging area from 40×25 cm.

Mediterranean carpenter ant: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, at night room temperature is enough.

Mediterranean carpenter ant: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Mediterranean carpenter ant: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: queen 15–20 years.

Mediterranean carpenter ant: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

room temperature is enough

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 nest with a humidity gradient

Feeding

Food

Sugar water plus insects

Feeding interval

sugar always available, insects 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

worker 6–14 mm, queen 15–17 mm

Life expectancy

queen 15–20 years

Origin

The western Mediterranean

Protection status

—

Brumation

Yes, mild: December to February at 12–15 °C

Cohabitation

Keep as a colony, not a single animal, monogynous — these ants naturally live in groups and do not cope alone. Two colonies are never merged; foreign animals are repelled. Above 25°C the species shows marked aggression, including towards unfamiliar members of its own species.

Notes

Faster development than the native carpenter ants, and very active in the outworld.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Mediterranean carpenter ant (Camponotus barbaricus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Asian carpenter ant (Camponotus nicobarensis) – Beginner
• Brown-black carpenter ant (Camponotus ligniperda) – 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Mediterranean carpenter ant (Camponotus barbaricus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (nest from 20×15 cm plus a foraging area from 40×25 cm), substrate (An aerated-concrete nest with a humidity gradient), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.