Camponotus lateralis are among the most visually stunning species of Camponotus ants, not only in Europe but across the world. Their striking bicoloration, with a vibrant red thorax and head contrasted against a jet-black gaster, makes them a visually captivating species to observe. Combined with their polymorphism, where workers vary significantly in size, from small minors to imposing majors, they offer a dynamic and aesthetic appeal.
Unique Traits
Camponotus lateralis are a rarer species of European Camponotus, making them a prized addition to any ant keeper's collection. Their major workers have a specialized role, often being used as food storage units for the colony, a behavior commonly known as trophallaxis. This species also exhibits remarkable adaptability in its natural habitat, thriving in a variety of arboreal environments.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
These ants are considered an arboreal species, primarily nesting in dead wood, such as hollow branches, rotting tree trunks, and fallen logs. They are often found in Mediterranean regions, where warm climates and wooded areas provide an ideal environment. Their activity levels are highest during the warmer months when they actively forage and expand their colonies.
Camponotus lateralis are primarily nocturnal, foraging under the cover of darkness to avoid predators. This behavior adds to their mystique and makes their activity patterns particularly interesting to study.
Keeping difficulty: Easy (Kept at least 1 species previously)
Colonyform: Monogyne
Queen size: 8-10mm red head with black thorax and body
Worker’s size: 2-5mm Red head and thorax with black gaster (polymorphic)
Food: honey water and insects and seeds
Temp: 18-26°C
Humidity: 50-60%
Founding: claustral without feeding
Colonysize: 1-2,000 workers
Hibernation: November until end of February at 15°C
You will receive:
1x queen mated queen with eggs/brood or workers depending on your selection
1x protein shake
1x pipette
Live arrival guarantee:
We guarantee the live arrival of your Queen they come well packed in our jiffy bags which have two-sided padding as well as an additional layer of bubble wrap around our test tubes. We are the only company in the United Kingdom to offer our live arrival guarantee of your queen as well as an additional 14 days guarantee if the colony if kept in the original test tube for all our European species. Why do we do this? We are confident with our colony’s health and our packaging process as well as our care guides, we also believe in our customers and making sure they have a good ant keeping experience.
Be aware of sellers only using the Live arrival guarantee and not the 14-day additional warranty on European ant species it might be slightly cheaper but could end up paying more in the long run, also all our products are sold as starter kits including food and a pipette.
We do require photographic evidence of the queen in the original test tube for validating the guarantee once outside the test tube and in a nest the environment is outside of our control.
It is illegal to release non-native species of ants into the wild and could damage the local ecosystem so bare this in mind we have a duty to our environment.
Live arrival guarantee we ensure the live arrival of the queen only upon delivery contact us within 24-48 hours of receiving the Queen dead on arrival with a picture of the dead queen and the original workers. DO NOT TRANSFER THE DEAD QUEEN OR WORKERS TO A NEST AS THIS VOIDS YOUR WARRNTY. For our additional 14-day guarantee for European species the Queen and workers must be kept in the original test tube sealed with the cotton and care sheet instructions followed if you want to keep this additional guarantee do not transfer to a nest or your warranty is VOIDED (we recommend you keep the 14-day warranty).
We have no control over the environment outside the test tube and have no influence in the conditions the responsibility once placed outside the test tube within the 14-day period the responsibility is with the buyer. 9 times out of 10 colonies die in the nest due to lack of water access, food, temperature, oxygen or stress due to vibrations or exposure to excess light. If your colony does fail inside a nest contact us, we can advise what went wrong but it is up to you to buy another ant colony, you will succeed but sometimes it does not work the first time. Research is key to success with ant keeping and follow our guides.
