CAMPONOTUS ANTS: What to expect & How to care for your Pet Ant Colony

While most people in the world are trying to to kill carpneter (camponotus) ants in multiple ways, we ant keepers can't help ouselves by how amazing they are as pets!
This video is a new entry in our AntsVienna Tutorial Series, where we show you How to care for and what to expect of your Camponotus pet ant colony.
These giant, polymorphic ants, mostly living in forests - also named Carpenter Ants - are fascinating indeed!
Have fun watching!
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On "AntsVienna" we introduce you to everything you need to know if you want to keep Ants as your Pets - including How to Get Started: By catching your First Queen Ant!
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[@NovoAnts]

Nice video 👍🏼 I have a few Camponotus colonies going, they are Consobrinus & Aeneopilosus. They are great. Agree with your tips, especially the one about not disturbing them to much.

[@AntsVienna]

Thanks Novo! Yes, you in Australia have all these crazy-cool Ants! I wish for a Consobrinus colony myself ...but you can't find these in europe unless you are prepared to pay a few hundred Euro. :( Yes, of all the Ants I keep they definitely get scared the most, despite beiing the largest.

[@captaindinoceo]

hey can i ask if you know about any substitude protein source for them, i ran out of mealworms and currently have nothing to give them, and i was wondering what could be used

[@thisishowidoants8210]

@@AntsVienna I have Lownei

[@AntsVienna]

@@thisishowidoants8210 Cool! :)

[@AntsVienna]

@@captaindinoceo hello there, somehow missed your comment. This may help you out ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKTRnY2Ngs96bbs

[@chrxss5955]

I caught a camponotus herculeanus and it's my first Queen ever. She makes me so happy 😊👑

[@AntsVienna]

I can really understand how you feel! I was looking for Camponotus Queens more than 1 year and when I found my first (Camp. Ligniperdus) I could't believe how BIG those are! (Compared to Lasius sp. for example) 🙂 Congrats on your Queen🍀🐜

[@klb430]

I just caught a camponotus pennsylvanicus queen! I'm super excited, this is the species I wanted to find this year!

[@AntsVienna]

Gongrats on your new queen! I know that feeling - had the same with my Camp. Ligniperdus :)

[@shrektheeverchosen6457]

How's it doing? Did she start A colony?

[@klb430]

@@shrektheeverchosen6457 She did! colony is about 20 strong now with a whole pile of brood!

[@thesoulkz]

@@klb430 I just caught one too, this is gonna be a long journey

[@TankieBoi]

I just caught one too, pennsylvanicus queens are HUGE and she's started laying eggs!

[@levente4666]

I have a Ligniperda colony. I was just sitting on a chair next to a table and she just landed there. She was approaching me like she wants me to catch her wich i did.

[@AntsVienna]

Nice catch! Almost like Ash Ketchum in Pokemon😂👍

[@CT-jy7rh]

My fist queen landed on my hand two years ago when I was watching ant tutorials. I am not kidding. I did not keep her because I was a truly noob and also me and my family were moving from our town that week. But now see is in very good hands with a veterans of the hobby.

[@AntsVienna]

Geia sou! Yes, I know what you are talking about... Last year a couple of Lasius Niger Queens landed on my hair😅😂

[@CT-jy7rh]

Wait, you speak Greek and how you understand I am a Greek? You have Greek friends or you learned from your trips maybe? What ever, happy Easter!

[@chosetec]

That's some nice footage of the queen helping the worker out of the cocoon! Much like people, because they are eusocial, they are quite helpless before adulthood!

[@AntsVienna]

Thank you! Yes, seeing how worker ants are literally brought to life is fascinating indeed. :)

[@TankieBoi]

carpenter ants are adorable, especially the queens!

[@AntsVienna]

Yes, adorable & HUGE! haha

[@user-fw8vr3pu8e]

my camponotus elegans queen has 2 workers now, can't wait to watch this colony grow

[@AntsVienna]

Cool! Always be patient with Camp. species - they usually grow slower than others

[@sam_9228]

Nice, I just caught a C. Pennsylvanicus Queen and I will follow all of these steps :)

[@AntsVienna]

Congrats on your new Queen! Yes, take good care of her. :)

[@ericrouleau3987]

I've just caught 2 alates camponotus ants from northern Canada and one already has at least 8 eggs. I've just ordered test tubes and an ant nest for them. I'm so excited:)

[@AntsVienna]

You can join our Discord server ( discord.gg/PBw6BvU ) if you need help with Queen-Identification 😉

[@southernafricanants2165]

I caught a Camponotus pennsylvanicus, I'm so excited

[@AntsVienna]

Congrats! Excitement is the way to go :)

[@horrificdude5461]

I caught a Camponotus Pennsylvanicus queen a few weeks ago in my basement. I didn't expect her to be fertile, but I set her up in a test tube anyway. I left for a trip soon after, and when I got back I had forgotten that I had her until I was cleaning and found the test tube with the queen alive and with a pile of eggs and larvae.

[@AntsVienna]

That's sounds like an interesting real life story! Does your Queen have workers by now? :)

[@horrificdude5461]

@@AntsVienna Not quite yet. A few of the larvae are getting pretty big and I think they're going to pupate soon.

[@sandiegofirbird7782]

Camponotous quericola. I bought them,Great vid. New subscribers

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there. Sounds like an interresting species - are they native where you live? :)

[@sandiegofirbird7782]

@@AntsVienna yes they r. I'm southern California. So I'm wanting to find honeypot ants

[@AntsVienna]

@@sandiegofirbird7782 Cool - wish you good luck!

[@nandakumarsubramanian9528]

Very nice video I appreciate it!

[@AntsVienna]

You're welcome! Feel free to check out the channels playlists if you want to know more about Camponotus ants 😉

[@naturjsameisen]

Very good video 👍 Camponotus are awesome^^

[@AntsVienna]

Thank you natur J! Yes, they are indeed. :)

[@ElReinoDeLasHormigas]

Nice video😁

[@AntsVienna]

Thanks!

[@TankieBoi]

I have 2 C. pen, a C. novaeboracensis, and an unknown small-medium black ant queen. The novaeboracensis is my second-caught and my favorite, she lays many eggs and takes good care of herself and her workers! One of the C. pen queens' workers stuck a cricket leg on the cotton and it caused mold to grow :( but the novaeboracensis chewed on the cricket leg like a drumstick

[@AntsVienna]

Seems you are having fun with your ants - That's exactly what the hobby is about😃👍

[@issifraser8212]

Very good video thx again

[@AntsVienna]

You 're welcome. Have fun with ant keeping ;)

[@issifraser8212]

@@AntsVienna I will

[@ImperiumFormicum]

Can't wait for spring as I really want this species. Thanks for the tips!

[@AntsVienna]

You're welcome. Worth the wait! Camponotus are really 'easy' to watch. Thanks to their size you can see behaviours like Trophallaxis a lot better. ;)

[@eyenaturalist9518]

I just caught a campanotus japonicus

[@meants5817]

Imperium Formicum o siema też oglądam AntsVienna:)

[@meants5817]

Niestety nie udało się złapać xD

[@peterpagac3155]

Im.about to keep c. Ligniperda and buing one from germany (im in Slovakia and they are native in here and it shoud take two days to get here,soo....idk what to say)

[@AntsVienna]

Nice Peter - Hope your colony arrives safe and sound

[@linkinlogging]

I have two Camponotus pennsylvanicus colonies, one with 9 workers and one with 4. I caught the 4 worker one outside and the 9 worker one on my curtain one day.

[@AntsVienna]

Nice catch! Take good care of them ;)

[@DevKing_Phizo]

I caught a queen ant this nuptial flight and asked your discord community to help me identify it they told it was a camponotus now it will be easier for me to keep them thanks to you and your discord server thanks mate

[@AntsVienna]

You're welcome - always glad when I can help! 😄🐜

[@BtoolsDude]

I caught a camponotus queen im super exited

[@AntsVienna]

Right now? That's cool! Where I live Campos won't swarm before May

[@ezrastoychannel8432]

I just caught a Camponotus queen here in Arizona in my kitchen (Don’t Know how)

[@AntsVienna]

lol - lucky you! No more nuptials here in central europe - just some late flyers (not always mated)

[@d0m368]

I found componotus atricips, I found a queen a few workers and like 10 eggs, I found it in a log in my backyard

[@AntsVienna]

Cool find! You can place a part of the log in their outworld so they feel comfortable

[@colinhowey4851]

Excellent footage and very good advice - especially, 'DO NOT DISTURB'. When it comes to ant keeping, there is much truth in the old adage: 'Good things in life come to those who wait.'

[@AntsVienna]

Yes, that adage is gold in ant keeping 👍 Even more so when dealing with Camponotus Species😅😂

[@limetealstudios6502]

Great video! I have a Camponotus herculeanus queen that I just caught!

[@AntsVienna]

Thank you - Nice catch!

[@lauraart8175]

I just caught one like half an hour ago, my first pet ant I'm so excited!🐜😋😖

[@AntsVienna]

@@lauraart8175 Cool! Take good care of her. You can watch some of my Tutorials here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5mTYYGkr8p3n7M

[@timeforacrusade9184]

I have mine for 4 years but it is still just a lonely queen.

[@liamcote2944]

This was super helpful I have six camponotus novaeboracensis

[@AntsVienna]

I would love to have some too! Unfortunately not native in Europe though... Take good care of your little (big) ones 😉

[@tdubywuby5795]

Since Im an Australia Ant Keeper I have 2 campanotus colonies, A camponotus consobrinus, Or Banded Sugar Ant queen and a Campanotus Aneopilosus or Golden Tailed Sugar Ant Colony!

[@AntsVienna]

That is awesome! I envy you for that Banded Sugar Ant Queen. :)

[@prossit]

Great video! I have a beautiful Camponotus Chilensis Queen !!

[@AntsVienna]

Thank you, hope it was helpful to you :) These Chilensis look similar to Camp. Fulvopilosus

[@praneeth8142]

Nice video

[@AntsVienna]

Thank you! Check our new Giveaway Video ;)

[@davechae8734]

Thanks for the advise i'm actually new to keeping queen ants =) ♡

[@AntsVienna]

Hello Chae! Glad my video helped you out :) If you are generally new to ant keeping I suggest you have a look at my beginner series. These videos will make your start in the hobby much easier😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5mTYYGkr8p3n7M

[@mindchops346]

I love your vids

[@AntsVienna]

Thank you for the support Mimchop - Merry Christmas!🎄

[@billiestanfield2702]

First time ant keeper here caught campo penn. And campo castaneus. Caught by a large maple tree in my yard. I have caught many other types on my brick patio as well. I have sold some Campos and formica I have caught. Even caught a few cromatogaster. Camponotus is my favorite. Slow growing but will be so worth it to me.

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there! Congrats on your Queens catchings! Yes, Campos are definetely worth the wait :)

[@MediaCentralNews]

I’m thinking about getting a Black Carpenter ant colony and this video helped very much. Thanks 😃🐜🦟

[@AntsVienna]

I'm glad when my videos help you guys out. Hopefully your decision ended in a Yes😉

[@tclaunchpad8813]

Hey I can help out I currently have 2 one who is almost having workers

[@antworld9243]

ok thankyou for that and my colony move in about 2 days ago i hop i get a good colony and i have SUBCRIBED hit the bell love your vidos

[@AntsVienna]

hey there! Glad I could help you out - working on the next video right now ;)

[@SkitStatic2]

I got a Camponotus-nicobarensis online it came in a bunch of 3 i hope they will do fine they are arriving soon i know there not meant for multiple queens but they already have 10-15 workers as the kit said

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there. YES - Camponotus Nicobarensis can have multiple Queens in a colony, if they founded the colony together (merging colonies later on does not work because Queens could be killed). I have a 2-Queen Camp. Nicobarensis colony - you can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmWueH2japqeh7M

[@SkitStatic2]

@@AntsVienna thanks i will watch the video

[@CanariosMadrid]

Amazing ants 👍🇪🇸🐜

[@AntsVienna]

Gracias! ;)

[@hanzfranz1394]

Find deine Videos voll gut

[@AntsVienna]

Hey, danke. Hoffe mein English ist klar verständlich😃

[@hanzfranz1394]

@@AntsVienna Wenn man es mit meinem vergleicht dann ist bei dir ein großer unterschied

[@hanzfranz1394]

Also gut (:

[@tranvietphu1298]

I’m watching this because I’ll buy a 1 queen 10 worker colony

[@AntsVienna]

Congrats to your new ant colony then! What species did you go for?

[@tranvietphu1298]

It’s a camponotus nicobarensis colony

[@AntsVienna]

Camponotus Nicobarensis are an excellent choice! I have a Palylist dedicated to them kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJyqY6CcfcSWjZI

[@tranvietphu1298]

Thank you very much

[@marcophoenix6287]

Omg we are almost 1,000 likes you will be happy very happy

[@AntsVienna]

hello there. I am always happy when my videos help people out :)

[@sunnys3512]

I love you’re videos I live in Canada tho

[@AntsVienna]

Glad you like my videos - you guys in Canada have some awesome native species yourselves! ;)

[@sunnys3512]

Thank you

[@Ants_india0802]

I use to keep camponotus modoc i found her in my village. She is my first queen.

[@AntsVienna]

Nice! Local ants are always the best to start with in my opinion. Here is a video on species I generally recomend otherwise: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpDKhouHnbishq8&ab_channel=AntsVienna

[@agaimless3724]

Camponotus floridanus Florida carpenter ants I have a 4 queen colony with about a 100 workers I catch the queens at night after the rain stopped on the side of my house

[@AntsVienna]

Cool! I've heard from many many ant keepers they have success at night. I myself have only caught 2 Queens at night in Greece: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKPQeGWMfJuoibc&ab_channel=AntsVienna

[@chase6785]

just found 6 camponotus pennsylvanicus queens in a rotting log behind my house. Its still kind of chilly so it was a great time to catch a few of them with some workers :)

[@AntsVienna]

I am honestly no fan of taking established colonies away from the wild, but if you can provide a similar experience in a nice, big Formicarium they should be fine👌🐜

[@chase6785]

I set the log out as bait last season. The colonies where all young with less then 7 workers. Like fishing. Sport anting :)

[@islandtrader9055]

Beautiful video! I am new! I have C. Sansabeanus & C. Discolor. Both new queens purchases 1-with eggs, 1-with eggs & workers. I live in Puerto Rico.

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there! The species you got sound pretty cool. Take good care of them - in the start it's best to leave the Campo Queens alone do their thing and look only once a week or every two weeks. Greetings from Vienna, Austria

[@islandtrader9055]

Thank You!

[@killerzweg509]

I will pick up my camponotus herculeanus queen today😊

[@AntsVienna]

That sounds like the start of a new era!👍

[@killerzweg509]

@@AntsVienna it is! They are amazing. I got a queen and 5 workers. 2 larves and she got a couple of eggs aswell. Really nice!

[@matthewfurman48]

I really liked your videos they are amazing! I live in the state of West Virginia in the U.S. The two most common Camponotus species I see around here are Camponotus pennsylvanicus and Camponotus americanus. I recently captured a Camponotus pennsylvanicus queen (she looks very similar to your Camponotus ligniperdus queen). I did not give her honey after catching her. Do you think this is ok? What do you feed your Camponotus ants? I really enjoyed your video, hope you make more!

[@AntsVienna]

Hello Matthew! Glad you like my video :) Camp. Pennsylvanicus are actually very much like Ligniperdus, at least in the care department. It is not neccessary to feed your Queen, I just do because it gives her a nice boost in the founding phase. I have a feeding playlist here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6KznqCOac6ijK8 If you want to know more about Camponotus care feel free to join our discord server - we've got lots of fellow ant keepers willing to help ;) discord.gg/PBw6BvU

[@FizzleFX]

Honey water gets moldy. Pure tiny drops won't. Knowing there is an energy source makes all the difference 😊

[@AntsVienna]

True. But there are many species that get stuck even into the smallest pure drops and others (like Camp. Nicobarensis) that only drink very "thin" honeywater

[@FizzleFX]

@@AntsVienna Pure honey does soak into cotton nicely. It may takes a minute but its safe for any race I think. Even Acorn (which are tiny) can work with that :) If the cotton is pure and the honey unwatered this should also last a long time. They get to 'suckle' the cotton' whenever they want and the honey is fairly easy removed. Pick cotton and clean that one spot a bit. My Bigheads love to stuff water+honeywater reservoirs with sand and siffon its content (for easy consumption). They like being messy.

[@sLife_-]

💚💚💚

[@AntsVienna]

😃🐜🐜🐜

[@danielpapp7869]

I have a C. Vagus colony with 11 worker, I love them. I catch the Q in my garden

[@AntsVienna]

Awesome! I also caught a couple of Queen last year, so there will be content on Camponotus Vagus on the channel this year🙂

[@danielpapp7869]

Cool! :D

[@angelosvass1001]

I think the best option when you are begginer is to get 2 colonies at least, 1 ready with workers and one or more queens you find on your own, you just prepare the test tubes and let the queens be, check on them once in 1-2 weeks and just have fun with the established one with workers and check on them whenever you want, I dont mean to annoy the ants just that you can watch them without the fear of losing the eggs/larvae, Thats what I am gonna do when I get my first colony.

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there. Fair idea with the 2 colonies to start. I personally have caught all Queens on this channel by myself (only exception Camp. Nicobarensis exotic). I just love watching them grow into colonies and flourish 🐜🐜🐜

[@angelosvass1001]

@@AntsVienna I know the best option and the most rewarding is to catch your queen on your own but here it hasnt rain for one and a half month and the weather is too hot and dry, so no nuptial flights happen yet, I found a ant keeper in my area that he will sell me a messor barbarus colony with 15-20 workers for cheap to help me out start into the hobby, and I will continue search when it will rain. I think this will be a good option because when I finally manage to get a queen, if I dont have another ant colony it will be really hard no to check out and look at them every 5 mins.. :D

[@alexanderkinney9149]

Harberi and Modoc!

[@AntsVienna]

Nice! I know many people that like Modoc👍

[@davids4495]

Carpenter ant nuptial are back in the Midwest. Theyre pretty small this year.

[@AntsVienna]

Thanks for the Update! Yes, due to untypically cold weather, big nuptials haven't happened yet

[@davids4495]

@@AntsVienna Last year, lucius niger garden ants held what seemed like their largest nuptial flight in a decade.

[@mixalislol5994]

Evagelos is a greek name too!

[@AntsVienna]

Ennoeitai! :)

[@jeskepifish3162]

Hmmmm thanks

[@AntsVienna]

You're welcome 👍

[@taniadevries6564]

Antsvianna what camera do u use

[@AntsVienna]

Oh... back then I used my trusted HTC 10 🙂

[@josephhazelgrave625]

Hellooo, hope you well!! I absolutely love your videos!! Very very very helpful for me as I am a brand new ant keeper, I have just received a camponotus singularis queen, I ordered her with a brood but unfortunately she must’ve ate them in transit, I have done some major research on her but I didn’t account for this situation for her to eat her brood have you got any videos covering this, I have tried to look but I am new to you tube also, thank you Vienna!

[@josephhazelgrave625]

It was from ant antics just so you know

[@AntsVienna]

Hello Joseph! Welcome to ant keeping :) It is pretty common for Queens to eat their brood if they are feeling stressed - and transit is one of those situations. Just make sure you keep your Queen in the dark and no vibrations or checking on her over the next 5-6 weeks at least, so she can calm down and start laying eggs again. Since you are new to ant keeping I suggest you these videos, they contain all the basic information you will need to get started 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXqpqIWEhqqErLc

[@josephhazelgrave625]

@@AntsVienna wow thank you so much, you are a diamond 👌🏻👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@josephhazelgrave625]

@@AntsVienna so should I leave them in the box they can in for 5weeks no food or anything?

[@AntsVienna]

Keep your Queen/colony in a Test tube setup ideally

[@user-zk6dk5cg4g]

Do you have too put it in a test tube when u first catch it or can u place it in a enclosure

[@AntsVienna]

You can place her in an enclosure, BUT test tube will always yield better results

[@SkitStatic2]

Quick question for ant keeping i hate roaches qnd will never get them what should i use instead? Im trying to aim for a large colony im get my camponotus-nicobarensis soon

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there! You don't have to use roaches... Here is what you can/should feed your ants: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKTRnY2Ngs96bbs And here are some general tips that have helped many ant keepers out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXqpqIWEhqqErLc

[@thedailytoast4872]

I've just managed to get two camponotus vicinus to become friendly so I'm looking for tips on a two queens colony, my camponotus modoc is in extreme stress because I changed checked on her too much, so make sure you don't do that!

[@AntsVienna]

Nice! Hope they stay friendly and you have a big healthy colony ;) It's best to only check every 2 weeks on Camponotus Queens before the first workers are born.

[@nini6979]

how often do you give her honeywater whilte the testtube time? and what could you give them instead of honeywater?

[@AntsVienna]

For every ant I give 1 small honeaywater-drop per week. So, for Queen + 2 workers I would give 3 small droplets once a week. You could use sugarwater instead of honeaywater, but in my experience ants accept honeywater better (=are more likely to eat it). You could also use some Sunburst ant nectar if you have it at your disposal.

[@trejonjoubert7606]

Hi i found a full camponotus maculatus nest and put into a setup of my own, the queens did stress out a bit but they seem fine for now with 80+ workers. will they still lay eggs? (the queens are in a dark enclosure of the tank and i give them proper nutrition, although there is mild vibration where i live, eg opening of doors, bit of noise etc and cant find a better place for them) Some workers react to noise where most dont at all so hoping the queens will still produce new workers etc.

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there! Not sure about Camponotus Maculatus living habits, since I haven't kept them. HOWEVER, one of our Discord Communitys' moderators "Lynn" is keeping Camponotus Maculatus successfully. I suggest you ask her directly on discord: discord.gg/PBw6BvU

[@texaskb]

i have a camponoutis queen they are easy to keep

[@AntsVienna]

Yes, Camponotus Ants are "low maintainance" early on indeed👍

[@pittigecharel8258]

Camponotus cruentatus here 👍🏼

[@AntsVienna]

Cruentatus is a cool species to keep! It crossed my mind many times to keep a colony of them too, but i have too many colonies to care as it is😅😂

[@pittigecharel8258]

@@AntsVienna hahaha, it's my first colony...🤞🏼 So far 6 workers...

[@AntsVienna]

@@pittigecharel8258 Keep it up! Once Camponotus reach a certain number (usually around 30 workers) they will start growing really fast ;)

[@alexandrosvafeiadis9049]

Great video and very helpful but I'd like to ask where your name comes from. It sounds like greek but I am not sure.

[@AntsVienna]

Geia sou Alexandre! Yes, my name is Greek, since I was born there :)

[@Passarium-1195]

I have a camponotus pennsylvanicus queen with larvae and one worker

[@AntsVienna]

Cool! Not sure if these need hibenation now. Wish you fun with them ;)

[@bancroftbugz7925]

Have a Modoc colony! About 7 workers and some brood.

[@AntsVienna]

Camp. Modoc are cool! How old is your colony? from last year?

[@bancroftbugz7925]

@@AntsVienna yes last spring!

[@SkyViewOfficial0]

i actually fullfilled all these requirements at now, except sugar water... like, i just caught her today i dont wanna disturb her i prob feed her after 1 week

[@AntsVienna]

Yes, that sounds good. I personally put them in test tubes the day I catch them and them give them a few days of rest (4-7 Days) before their first meal.

[@taniadevries6564]

I got a camponotus ligniperda

[@AntsVienna]

And you won't regret it :) The only thing you need with this species is a LOT of patience... they grow VERY slow

[@Reshtarc]

Set ups like this are for when the queen is new and she is full on wing muscle to feed her young. I got 3 queens now in December all their brood have failed. I could use a guide on how to keep them alive feeding and needs to help her get to spring so she will restart laying and try to build brood pile again. This is a Huge challenge for a novice ant keeper. I see zero guides on this subject just how to keep new queens. Well what about the ones that are not new but still in the box so to speak. How to care for them to get to year 2 and a real founding.

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there. What Camponotus species exactly do you keep? In winter most need hibernation. During this time the Queens do hardly need any food, but are in need of water and need to be kept at certain (lower) temperatures. I suggest you check out my FULL BEGINNER Playlist, which teaches many basics of ant keeping. 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXqpqIWEhqqErLc After that if you still have questions (which normal and fine by the way😉), feel free to join out AntVienna Discord Chats. There we are over 1000 ant keepers in constant exchange about how to optimally keep ants amongst other things. 👉 Here is a discord invite for you: discord.gg/PBw6BvU

[@FizzleFX]

I plugged my test tube to an arena once she had 4 workers. ALL IN ONES are only good after a dozen workers and even then not ideal.

[@AntsVienna]

It depends on what you are going for... With modular ant farms you can adjust things as colony grows easier, BUT all.in.ones are great for those who like to have everything in one place and a complete setup - also more compact than modular designs

[@baronahata7398]

Omg , Perfect! I made new videos too

[@AntsVienna]

Thanks! Your turcestanus look very nice, so colourful.

[@Super_Andrei]

I have a Componatus Vagus ant colony

[@AntsVienna]

Cool! How do you like them? Here is my guide on the species, if you are looking for more information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ6Vl4KNatOAapo

[@Super_Andrei]

Thanks AntsVienna, but I have seen almost all the actual videos including this one and I love your channel.

[@blackspiraldancer6]

I’m going to pick up a camponotus Queen tomorrow that I’ve purchased. She already has workers established. Would opening the test tube, stabilizing it, and placing it in a small Tupperware dish or small insect terrarium be alright? I’m worried about opening it when it’s time for feeding.

[@AntsVienna]

Congrats! Placing the Test tube in a little insect terrarium (make sure there are no gaps where the ants could escape) is the better choice. Just don't open the the test tube right away. Let it sit in still for a day before opening and feeding (so the ants won't get stressed😉)

[@blackspiraldancer6]

Cool, appreciate it!

[@shakirshatnawi1738]

I have a camponotus Sansabeans queen whith two workers

[@AntsVienna]

Cool - never heard of that species before... do they get big?

[@shakirshatnawi1738]

@@AntsVienna ya

[@erengineer9793]

I take with me a camponotus vagus . With some owrkers 4 or 6.

[@AntsVienna]

Nice! I also have Camp. Vagus and will be making a video about them soon😉

[@antworld9243]

the colony is doing good and the Queen has 11 workers i have feed them honey and they like it

[@AntsVienna]

Nice to hear your colony is doing good👍

[@fharni]

I would like to habe a Camponotus queen too, but i did not found one this year. Now I am too late and have to wait for next year.

[@AntsVienna]

You could still find a "late" Camponotus Queen now. Just keep your eyes open. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYrEZ2aHnZaoqdk

[@alexben3780]

Camponotus Ligniperdus and Camponotus Vagus

[@AntsVienna]

Cool! I just found Vagus myself lately - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYrEZ2aHnZaoqdk

[@alexben3780]

@@AntsVienna niice

[@li-lan5776]

I caught a local Componotus pennyslvanicus which I assumed was a scout because I found her randomly wandering through my house. I have her in a little formicarium and she's already tunneling so I don't want to move her at this point. If she is a queen I hope she does well

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there - nicely done👍 This Video will help you distinguish if she is a Queen or not. If she isn't you can just let her go where you found her. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJSVgoeViLmhgZo

[@li-lan5776]

@@AntsVienna thanks, I'll check it out :) though I probably won't be letting her go in the middle of the sunroom XD

[@li-lan5776]

@@AntsVienna alright watched it and I think she is a queen. She's really big (around 13mm) and has the enlarged gaster. I can't get a close enough look to see if there's wing scars without disturbing her though

[@AntsVienna]

Nice, take good care of her ;)

[@antssea9192]

nice vid! too bad I don't have a campo queen :(

[@AntsVienna]

Thanks! I suggest getting one then. ;)

[@antssea9192]

Actually, i just got one about 2 weeks ago and im very happy! Its a camponotus irritans i think

[@James-tv2bm]

Ants SEA congrats!

[@AntsVienna]

@@antssea9192 Nice, just make sure to give them enough privacy early on. ;)

[@jackwoodcock3169]

Camponotus Turkistanicus, bought in a shop

[@AntsVienna]

Turkistanicus sure are nice👍🐜

[@karenchouchana1955]

hi i need help my ant colony is not moving but there not dead do you know what it means? please help i am worried

[@AntsVienna]

Have you reasearched on the particular species? Maybe they have some sort of hibernation kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6WnpKqMfZp9aMk If you need more ant keeping tips feel free to join our discord and ask there - we have both beginner and experinced ant keepers from all over the wolrd! discord.gg/PBw6BvU

[@haztaz235]

Can all c. Species be 2 queebs?

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there. NO, in fact most Camponotus sp. are monogynus (1 Queen). Be sure to inform yourself before putting any 2 Queens together, as they might fight to the death either right away or after the first workers get born. If you want to know more. feel free to join our Discord discord.gg/PBw6BvU community, where a lot of experienced ant keepers can answer your questions in chat💬

[@antsireland1261]

hi would love c.lingneperda but soon i might be getting a colony of C.nicoberensis plus first :)

[@AntsVienna]

C. Nicobarensis certainly are a nice option, since they don't hybernate. C. Ligniperdus are really cool looking and huge, even when compared to other C. species. Can't blame you, whichever you might be getting (first). ;)

[@antsireland1261]

@@AntsVienna ive found a nice sized colony of sale (1q-100w) love the colouration too!

[@AntsVienna]

@@antsireland1261 Sounds nice :) I just love how their mesosoma is matt red (crimson), while head and gaster are glossy black.

[@antsireland1261]

@@AntsVienna ive seen a lot of variation sometimes a darker mesosoma with a bright head and abdomen or other way around and i love the look of the major they a pretty big heads with a big bright colours!

[@AntsVienna]

@@antsireland1261 I've notice that the first workers a Queen produces (nanetics) are always darker overall. As the colony grows, bigger, brighter workers are born.

[@thatguywiththechainsaws]

i have camponotus vagus

[@AntsVienna]

Cool! Vagus are nice. I even have made an ant guide about them - you can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ6Vl4KNatOAapo

[@antzilla1752]

I have 2 camponotus ant colonies, nicobarensis and vagus. My nicobarensis is doing fine but my vagus is not laying eggs. I dont know what to do.

[@antzilla1752]

And how often should i feed them. They are 1 queen and two workers (nanitics)

[@AntsVienna]

Cool. I am working on a video about Vagus currently. With Queen + 2 nanitics I would feed 2 drops of honeywater per week and a fruit fly or spider leg every 14 days. Also, Vagus hibernate from October - March, so it is normal for the Queen to not lay any more eggs this year

[@antzilla1752]

Another problem i've encounterd is my sister she makes sound and disturbs my ants when they need to be alone (im 10 and my sister 8)

[@AntsVienna]

Disturbing the ants isn't good! Anyway - the Camp Vagus video is now online🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ6Vl4KNatOAapo

[@anag5144]

I have 1 queen Camponotus vittatus. It is easy to find here in Brazil.

[@AntsVienna]

Nice - I love the color of vittatus! Only yellow ants here in Austria are Lasius Flavus, but they are pretty small in comparison...

[@cocus260587]

Camponotus ligniperdus

[@AntsVienna]

Yes, correct.

[@antworld9243]

is millworms good for camponotus barbaricus

[@AntsVienna]

Yes, they are a protein source. Just make sure to pre-cut them before feeding ;)

[@antworld9243]

i keep camponotus barbaricus and i got the queen with workers

[@AntsVienna]

Nice to hear that! How is the colony doing now??? I got a Queen from a shop but she died on me 2 Jears ago... love the species!

[@MagagahAhahhss]

Hi I caught a red and black species with about 100 workers and two queens the queens have been getting along for a month is this normal?

[@AntsVienna]

Well, some Queens get along better than others. I don't know if I would call it normal, but if it works for you/your ants that's fine, right? 😉🐜

[@MagagahAhahhss]

@@AntsVienna post soon?

[@milk0427]

I have black carpenter ants but all the workers died except the queen even though they were new not old pls help

[@AntsVienna]

Do you still keep your colony/queen in a test tube? I've made the experience it is best to lay the test tube in a container and open it up (foraging area) when the Camponotus Queens get their first workers... Staying in a closed test tube for too long seems to damage their well-being

[@milk0427]

@@AntsVienna thanks

[@rickvangraan6325]

i have a colony of camponotus cosmicos

[@AntsVienna]

Nice👌🐜

[@FloridaAnting]

anyone else getting Camponotus Floridianus?

[@AntsVienna]

Hello there. Didn't keep floridianus specifically, but camponotus are a nice way to start the hobby. Have you checked this species out? kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5KwY5qKn6popbc

[@Batuhan01vara]

How many days does a camponotus egg hatch?

[@AntsVienna]

It depends on the species and temperature you keep them

[@AntsVienna]

Camp. Ligniperdus and Herculaenus are the biggest european Camponotus and need around 70 days from egg to worker.

[@AntsVienna]

Most of other Camponotus sp need less than that

[@Batuhan01vara]

@@AntsVienna thanx 😉

[@FizzleFX]

25-30?? I read 21-24 for Foreli... Messor go 21-26. I keep both around 24-25

[@AntsVienna]

Cool, nice insights👍

[@themicroplanetblog1316]

Since most ants cannot discern the color red, would they be able to see light from a flashlight covered in transparent red film?

[@AntsVienna]

Heard that with the red color too. Yet not scientifically proven. To answer your Question: I have tried that with the flash light myself on various ant species. Result is mostly the same: They do react to the red covered flashlight, but not as hectic as to normal light... They shortly turn in the red lights direction and then turn away and do their thing again. So I can't say that they don't see it. Instead it seems they just don't get agitated by it.

[@SHIN-bc9db]

camponotus albospaurus

[@AntsVienna]

Cool - Those species sounds rare! Never heard of them until now. Congrats!👍

[@SHIN-bc9db]

thanks

[@antworld9243]

ok thankyou and my workers is lefeing the Queen in the test tube bi her self the workers are moveing the eggs in the new nest but not the Queen what sill i do

[@AntsVienna]

Queens always move last. sometimes workers even force them move