Latin name: Camponotus piceus

Taxonomy: Subfamily: Formicinae, Tribe: Camponotini

Breeding level: Beginner

Geographical distribution: Central Europe mainly above 300 m

Habitat: Dry and semi-dry meadows.

Colony form: Monogyne

Queen: Size: 9 - 10mm Color: Shiny black

Workers: Size: 4 - 6mm Color: Shiny black

Major: Size 8 - 9mm Color: Shiny Black

Male: Size: 5mm Color: Black

Food: Honeydew and insects: like flies, mealworms, mosquitoes and small crickets; also fruits

Humidity: Hunting area: 30 - 50% Nest: 50 - 60%

Temperature: Hunting area: 18 - 28 ° C Nest: 21-24 ° C

Hibernation: Yes, from the end of October to the end of March between 8 and 12 ° C

Nest type: Plexiglas nest, nest with tubes, reconstituted stone nest.

Description: Camponotus piceus are shy ants that avoid aggressive encounters with other ants.

Development: Swarming from the end of April to the beginning of July.

Foundation: Claustral (without food) Development: 35 days from egg to worker (depending on temperature)

Size of the colony: A few hundred individuals, the queen can reach the age of 15 years.