Camponotus turkestanicus

Name: Camponotus turkestanicus
Origin: Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and adjacent steppe and semi-desert regions)
Colony type: monogynous
Queen: approx. 14 - 16 mm
Workers: approx. 5 - 12 mm
Majors: approx. 10 - 16 mm
Diet: Carbohydrates (e.g., honey, sugar water, agave syrup), Proteins (e.g., cockroaches, flies, crickets)
Humidity: Arena: 40 – 60% Nest: 50 – 70%
Temperature: Arena: 22 – 28 degrees Nest: 24 - 28 degrees
Hibernation: partial (cool diapause recommended, approx. 10 – 15 °C in winter)
Nest types: Ytong, plaster, loam, as well as 3D-printed and cork nests.
Colony size: approx. 500 - 5,000 workers (rarely up to ~10,000 under optimal conditions)

Camponotus turkestanicus is a robust carpenter ant species from dry to semi-dry regions of Central Asia. The species shows distinct polymorphism with clearly distinguishable minor and major workers. In terms of color, the ants vary depending on the population between yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, and darker forms with a more contrasting gaster. Typical for the species is its adaptability to drier habitats and its ability to develop stable colonies even under moderate conditions. In captivity, it is considered relatively uncomplicated, but requires a clear seasonal temperature reduction to ensure healthy development.