Camponotus Ligniperda - Carpenter Ant - Beginner
 
Ligniperda are a fascinating species which is a must have for any antkeeper. These belong to the largest carpenter ants in Europe and the beutiful deep purples under light make them a delight to watch. 
 
Typically making their homes in dead trees or dry wood stumps, their ideal habitat is on the edges of the diciduous forests of central europe. They can sometimes frequent open spaces too where they dig their nest under a stone deep into the gorund.
 
Large and powerful, Ligniperda take a fairly long time to establish, taking up to 12 weeks for a brood hatch you will need patience to observe them. They will need plenty of proteins, good humidity and a little warmth to fully establish, but once established they make for great entertainment with their boysterous charm.
 
As with all Carpenters they are perfectly capable of defending themselves and do so with some powerful mandibles. However, they are avid agressors too. Ligniperda will show dominance with their agression against other camponotus colonies and even formica colonies.  Their size means that its light work splitting an enemy in half.
 
For the antkeeper with patience, the Ligniperda promises a large colony, with extremely diverse worker casts with Minor, Media and Major's.
 
Colony Size
5,000-8,000 workers
Slow growing species.
Queen Age
Up to 25 years
Monogyne (single Queen per colony)
Temperature
Room 21 to 24 degrees
Hibernation
Yes - October through March at 5 to 10 degrees.
Polymorphic (Different size casts)
Yes - Very polymorphic with Minor, Media and Major workers.
Sting
No
Bite
Yes - Majors can pinch
Diet
Protein, Lots of Sugars, Lots of Water. Large ants are always very hungry.
Nest Type
Natural, Acrylic, Sand, Earth, Glass, Plaster.  (These ants can chew through Ytong and Wood, caution in housing is needed.
Size
Queen - 14mm-16mm
Worker - 6mm-14mm
Polymorphic - Yes
Development
Egg to Adult Worker - 10 to 12 weeks