Camponotus Japonicus - Beginner Species
The Japonicus is a fantastic example of one of Asia's biggest species of Carpenter ant. They are large and black with queens coming in at 18mm.
Naturally you can expect slow growth but with the right conditions they flourish and are very hardy as a species. This is a trait which is gained from nesting primarily in the solid under decaying wood where thermal changes are less of an issue with the woods decaying surface heat.
Because colonies are relatively small on average with only 500-800 workers they must use a display of force to "look bigger" to an invader. For this reason Japonicus are avid defenders, this is enhanced by their ability to use formic acid. Disturbing their nest will result in extremely hostile and defensive behaviour with even the queen investigating and prepared to fight.
The easiest thing to note is the striking colourings of the shiny black appearance. Workers are polymorphic and have both Minor and Majors who range from 4mm to 12mm in size. With a full gaster white/clear bands form which adds a great diversity to appearance.
They will happily scavenge proteins, something they need in abundance for their large size. Typically a Japonicus worker picks their fights carefully and does not attack large prey. These ants love sugar too, boy do the love sugar, as with most carpenters their "sugar ant" nickname is well earned!
Colony Size
Up to 1,000 workers with an average of 500
Queen
Age - Up to 18 years
Fully Claustral - No food until first workers
Monogyne (single Queen per colony)
Temperature & Humidity
Nest: 24 to 28 degrees | 21 to 30 degrees in Outworld
50% to 70% in Nest | 30% to 60% in Outworld
Hibernation
No
Polymorphic (Different size casts)
Yes - Very polymorphic with Minor, Media and Major workers.
Sting | Bite
Formic Acid | Majors can Pinch
Diet
Protein, Lots of Sugars, Lots of Water
Nest Type
Natural, Acrylic, Sand, Earth, Glass,, Ytong
Size
Queen - 17mm-18mm
Worker - 4mm-10mm
Major - 11mm to 12mm
Development
Egg to Adult Worker - 6 to 10 weeks