Giant Ants (Camponotus) – The 'kings' among ants

Are you looking for an ant species with an absolute wow factor? The Giant Ant (Camponotus) is one of the most impressive and spectacular ant species in the world. Thanks to their impressive size and elegant, powerful appearance, these ants grow into the absolute showstoppers of your ant farm. Here you will find our changing selection of special Camponotus ant colonies!

What makes the Giant Ant so fascinating?

Camponotus species are among the largest ants in the world. This brings unique advantages for the ant keeper:

Perfect visibility: Due to their gigantic size (some queens approach 2 centimeters!), you can observe every detail, from the antennae to the mandibles, crystal clear without a magnifying glass.
Beautiful soldiers (Majors): Like harvester ants, giant ants eventually develop impressive 'major' workers with enormous heads that defend the nest.
Unique behaviors: Their calm, stately way of moving makes them incredibly fascinating and soothing to watch.

A challenge for the patient enthusiast

In the initial phase, Camponotus colonies generally develop somewhat slower than, for example, the active harvester ant. The starting phase therefore requires some extra patience and calm. But those who exercise this patience will be rewarded with a spectacular, gigantic colony that can react surprisingly actively and alertly in a later phase. Our colonies are always supplied with a healthy queen, her first workers, and brood. Do you dare to take on the challenge with these impressive ants?

Camponotus barbaricus kolnoie met 2-5 werksters

Camponotus barbaricus in test tube reageerbuis mierenkolonie

Ant Colony Camponotus Barbaricus (Queen and 2-5 Workers) - Giant Ant

€ 27,99

Camponotus barbaricus Ant Colony (Queen and 2-5 Workers)

Meet the Camponotus barbaricus: one of the absolute largest and most impressive ant species in the world! This starter colony consists of a giant queen (gyne) along with her first 2 to 5 self-produced workers and the corresponding brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae).

Impressive Size and Fascinating Majors

Camponotus barbaricus is a dream species for many ant keepers due to the gigantic size of the queen and workers. As the colony grows, distinct 'classes' emerge: from minors to impressive Majors (soldiers) with powerful heads and jaws. In addition, these ants are known for their remarkably fast reactions and athletic movements. A well-sealed enclosure and escape prevention are therefore essential for this species!

A Beautiful Challenge for Advanced Keepers

Because it is a giant ant, the initial phase of the colony is quite slow. The queen lays eggs in phases, and the development from egg to ant takes longer than average for this large species. Starting a Camponotus barbaricus colony therefore requires a lot of peace, patience, and precise care regarding nutrition. This makes it a fantastic, challenging species for the ant keeper who is ready for the next step!

Complete Nutritional Diet Available to Order

Make caring for your nascent colony easy from day one with our specially formulated nutrition sets. The complete diet for a starting colony consists of sugar water, honeydew, and small insects (such as fruit flies) for much-needed protein. Do you want to provide yourself with all conveniences? Then choose our Deluxe nutrition set, including a delicious nutritional jelly, a handy dosing pipette, and a feeding dish!

Suitable Enclosures

Due to the substantial size of the ants, this species is excellent for keeping in robust ant farms made of acrylic, plaster, and sand. Connect the included test tube to an outworld (arena), where the workers can quietly collect their food.

Please note: This ant colony is intended for sand, plaster, and acrylic nests. Are you looking for ants for a gel ant farm? Then choose our special Ant Family for Gel.

Packaging, Shipping, and Health Guarantee

You will receive the colony in a specially prepared test tube with a water supply behind a cotton ball, which keeps the nest area at the correct moisture level. Upon receipt, the colony can remain in it for up to a few weeks without any worries. We provide a 2-week full guarantee on the life and health of the queen (with proper care). Should the queen not arrive alive or die within 2 weeks, we will immediately arrange a free replacement colony!

Camponotus barbaricus Specifications:

Scientific name: Camponotus barbaricus
Dutch name: Giant Ant
Difficulty: 3 (Advanced – requires patience, calm, and precision in the startup phase)
Queen size: 14 - 16 mm (Very large and imposing)
Worker size: 6 - 12 mm (Eventually develop into Minors, Mediors, and large Majors)
Colony form: Monogyn (1 queen per nest)
Main diet: Sugar/honey water and small insects (such as fruit flies)
Recommended nest type: Acrylic, Plaster, or Sand (including outworld/arena)
Hibernation: November to February (keep slightly cooler around 15°C; at room temperature, they often continue to grow well)

Do you dare to take on the challenge with one of the largest ants in the world? Order your Camponotus barbaricus colony (2-5 workers) today from Mierenboerderij!

Ants are heroes!

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