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Camponotus festinus

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SKU: N/A Categories: Ants, Ants for begginers, Ants for the Discerning, Ants from Asia

Camponotus festinus is a tropical Camponotus from Southeast Asia – impressive, massive, and very "spectacular" thanks to its distinctive soldiers. Colonies grow steadily in warm and moderately humid conditions, and the contrasting colors of the queen and workers make a great impression in a formicarium.

Species: Camponotus festinus
Difficulty: low–medium
Soldiers: yes – distinct caste polymorphism
Size: queen 19–23 mm, workers 6–17 mm
Coloration: chestnut brown to black; lighter accents in places
Distribution: Southeast Asia (including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore)
Feeding: water with honey/syrups + feed insects (cockroaches, crickets)
Hibernation: none – tropical species
Temperature: 24–28 °C
Humidity: nest 60–80%, arena moderately dry with good ventilation
Recommended formicarium: acrylic or cork, possibly 3D printed; larger arena for exploration
Lifestyle: terrestrial-arboreal, active mainly at dusk and at night

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Description

Description

Camponotus festinus – a tropical “showman” with distinctive soldiers

Are you looking for a colony that really “lives” in the arena? Camponotus festinus is a striking tropical Camponotus from Southeast Asia. Large, contrasting-colored workers, visible caste polymorphism (including massive soldiers), and activity mainly at dusk and at night make this species perfect for observation. It does not require hibernation, likes warmth and stable nest humidity – an ideal candidate for a representative formicarium.

Detailed description of Camponotus festinus

In nature, C. festinus inhabits humid, warm biotopes from forest edges to semi-arboreal areas. In captivity, it thrives at a temperature of 24–28°C and nest humidity of 60–80% (the arena can remain drier, but with good ventilation). Colonies develop steadily: they do not “explode” in numbers right away, but consistently increase their population, which makes it easier to plan for expansion. Thanks to a clear caste system, you can observe a natural division of labor: smaller “minors” take care of the nest and reconnaissance, while larger “medians” and soldiers secure the exits and handle larger protein bites.

Why it’s worth it

Spectacular polymorphism – the presence of soldiers creates a “wow” effect even among laymen.
Year-round activity – no hibernation = no downtime in observation and development.
Stable, predictable growth – ideal for learning to work with larger Camponotus species.
Great “show species” – contrasting coloration and patrolling the arena in the evenings.
Forgiving of minor mistakes – provided with warmth and a humid nest, this species is tolerant.

Breeding – a quick guide

Nest: moisturizing section (cork or plaster), air flow, possibility of partial darkening.

Arena: sand or smooth slab, wood/bark elements, effective barrier required, e.g., talc alcohol.

Maintenance: remove protein residues within 24 hours, keep the barrier dry without drops or sugars.

Expansion: increase the space gradually; too large a nest “at the start” makes it difficult to maintain the microclimate.

Feeding Camponotus festinus

Carbohydrates: water with honey, protein-sugar syrups, jellies for invertebrates (served in small portions so as not to dirty the barrier).
Protein: cockroaches, crickets, mealworm/woodworm larvae (preferably portioned). 2-3 times a week during the growth phase, less frequently in adult colonies.
Water: constant access to a water dispenser with cotton wool.

For whom

For beginners with ambition – the first “big” Camponotus that is not frustrating.
For intermediate keepers who want a colony with soldiers and a clear division of labor.
For anyone who needs a spectacular exhibition species to watch in the evenings.

Camponotus festinus combines the most enjoyable aspects of home breeding: large size, soldier effect, year-round activity, and clear social behavior. Provide a warm, humid nest, a well-ventilated arena, and regular feeding, and they will reward you with a daily live show. Add them to your cart and build a formicarium that is a pleasure to watch.