Camponotus nicobarensis (Brown Carpenter Ant) Care Sheet & Species Profile

Slug: camponotus-nicobarensis-care-sheet

Introduction

If Lasius niger is the "starter ant" of Europe, Camponotus nicobarensis is the "starter ant" of the tropical world. Native to Southeast Asia, this species has taken the hobby by storm because it breaks all the "boring" rules of Carpenter ants. They don't hibernate, they grow at an incredible pace, and they are strikingly beautiful with their varied shades of brown, orange, and tan.

The "vibe" of C. nicobarensis is pure energy. They are a "high-definition" ant; their movements are jerky and alert, and they exhibit a fascinating behavior called "vibration signaling," where they drum their gasters against the nest walls to alert the colony of food or danger. For the keeper who wants a large, polymorphic species but doesn't want to wait 6 months for a hibernation cycle, "Nicos" are the ultimate choice.

Identification & Biology

• Physical Description: Highly variable coloration, ranging from light yellowish-brown to deep mahogany. The legs and thorax are often lighter than the head and gaster.
• Size Range:
• Minors: 5mm – 7mm.
• Majors: 9mm – 12mm.
• Queen: 15mm – 16mm.
• Distinguishing Features: They are more "slender" than European Camponotus and possess a very high activity level even during the day, though they are technically crepuscular.

Colony Structure & Dynamics

• Typical Colony Size: Can grow into the tens of thousands very quickly.
• Social Structure: Primarily Monogyne, but some populations are known to be Oligogyne (multiple queens that tolerate each other but stay in separate parts of the nest).
• Worker Roles: Distinct polymorphism. Majors have massive, blocky heads and act as the primary hunters and transporters of large food items.
• Lifespan: Queens live 12-15 years. Workers live 6-12 months.

Habitat & Environmental Needs

• Natural Range: Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Southern China).
• Temperature:
• Nest: 25°C – 28°C (77°F – 82°F). High heat is the key to their rapid growth.
• Outworld: 24°C – 32°C.
• Humidity:
• Nest: 50% – 70%. They like it tropical and humid.
• Outworld: 40% – 60%.
• Substrate & Nesting: Opportunistic. They nest in rotting wood, bamboo, or even in the leaf litter of the jungle floor.

Feeding & Nutrition

• Diet in the Wild: Nectar, fallen fruit, and a wide variety of insects.
• Captive Feeding:
• Sugars: They have a massive "sweet tooth." Honey, sugar-water, and fruit (like grapes or oranges) are essential.
• Protein: They are "protein vacuums." They will eat almost any insect you give them: crickets, roaches, flies, and mealworms.
• Hydration: They require high hydration. Always have multiple water sources available.

The Ant Shack Recommended Setup

For housing Camponotus nicobarensis, we recommend our professional Natural Ant Habitat Kit - Large, which provides the ideal balance of visibility, security, and climate control.

• Observation: Crystal-clear materials for the best view of the Camponotus nicobarensis colony.
• Climate Control: Designed to maintain the specific humidity needs of Camponotus nicobarensis.
• Security: Escape-proof design tailored for active Camponotus nicobarensis workers.

Annual Cycle: Diapause & Growth

• Hibernation (Diapause): None. They are tropical and will grow year-round as long as they are kept warm.
• Growth Rate: Explosive. A queen can reach 100 workers in her first 6 months. By the end of year two, you may be looking at 2,000+ ants.

Common Challenges & Pro-Tips

• Troubleshooting: "Space Crisis." Most keepers underestimate how fast this species grows. Always have a second Natural Ant Habitat Kit - Large ready to dock to the first one.
• Expert Advice: They love "bamboo." If you place a small bamboo tube in the outworld, they will often use it as a satellite nest for their majors.