Camponotus Singularis – The Asian Carpenter Ant
 
Overview: Meet the incredible Camponotus singularis, a true titan in the world of ants! Hailing from the lush jungles of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and China, this massive species is known for its striking red-headed workers and golden gaster that give them a truly eye-catching look. With their gentle nature, these "gentle giants" are an absolute delight to observe, though they can become a bit more territorial and defensive as their colony grows larger. But don’t worry – they’re mostly just busy scavenging and living their best lives, as any good carpenter would!
 
Care: Taking care of Camponotus singularis can be a rewarding experience if you’re patient and consistent. These ants are native to regions where they nest under wood and stones, so it's no surprise that they love to keep their entrances secure and hidden. The secret to success? Keep the humidity between 60-80%—just like their native clay-rich homes. Their nests tend to be a deep labyrinth of chambers, making them a bit like underground architects. Be mindful of the temperature, too! They thrive best at a cozy 25.5°C, which mirrors the cooler underground environments they are used to. Overheating can stress them out, so don’t let things get too hot. With a little care, you’ll soon find that feeding them regularly and keeping the environment stable is key to a thriving colony.
 
Why You’ll Love Them:
 
Size & Beauty: These ants are impressively large, with workers ranging from 11mm to 14mm and the majestic majors reaching up to 19mm. Their stunning red heads will make them stand out in any ant collection!
Long-Lived Queens: A queen can live for an astonishing 10-15 years, providing you with a long-term, low-maintenance colony.
Charming Personalities: Though they can get defensive when the colony grows, they’re generally a peaceful species. Watch as they go about their day, building and foraging in the most fascinating ways.
Diet: They’re always hungry! You’ll be able to observe them eagerly devouring sugars and insects, making feeding time a true spectacle.
 
Fun Facts:
Colony Size: Camponotus singularis can form mature colonies of up to 1,000-2,000 ants. That’s a lot of busy workers!
Polymorphic Workers: This species features multiple worker sizes, meaning you’ll see a mix of small, medium, and large workers—each with their own specialized tasks.
Defensive: While they do have a bite and can pinch (major workers even draw blood!), they usually only resort to this in moments of stress. Just ensure their nest is well-ventilated and has good absorbency for their defensive acid.
 
Perfect For: Anyone who’s ready for a slow, steady journey into the world of intermediant ant-keeping! These ants are ideal for ant enthusiasts who enjoy watching a majestic, hardworking colony grow and thrive over time. If you're looking for a unique and stunning species with a bit of personality, Camponotus singularis is the way to go!
 
Key Stats:
Queen Size: 20-22mm
Worker Size: 11-14mm
Major Size: 17-19mm
Temperature: 25-27°C (nest)
Humidity: 60-80%
Diet: Sugars & Insects
Colony Size: 1,000–2,000 mature workers
Diapause: No true diapause, though some localities may slow down during cooler months
 
Ready to bring a piece of Southeast Asia’s natural wonder into your home? Camponotus singularis is waiting to be your next ant colony adventure!