Camponotus Parius – Shimmering Carpenter Ant - Easy
 
Because of their shimmering colour under daylight, Parius are an ever popular choice for people who want a medium growth rate, active colony of carpenter ants. They are fast moving, show great aggression and have polymorphism (different sizes of workers) which makes them a superb colony for anyone’s collection.
 
Found in soil nests across southeast Asia they love hiding under branches, roots, leaflitter and the ground foliage.
 
Your Parius colony will be a marvel of delight and as they found easily with a little warmth they can develop nicely into colonies of pride. Even a fully grown colony will not be fussy on food and will do great with a diet of sugars and varied insects.
 
Colony Size
2500 to 3500 average workers
Queen Age
Unknown
Polygyne (1-3 Queens per colony)
Temperature
Nest 24 to 27 degrees
Hibernation
No
Polymorphic (Different size casts)
Yes
Sting/Spray/Acid
As with most all Camponotus, they do have acid which is excreted through their jaw in times of stress. Nothing to worry about though.
Bite
Yes - a Pinch
Diet
Sugars and Insects
Nest Type
Natural, Acrylic, Sand, Earth, Glass.
Size
Queen – 14mm
Worker – 5mm to 10mm