Camponotus herculeanus

Hormiga carpintera grande europea

Camponotus herculeanus

Hercules Carpenter Ant

intermedio

One of the largest ants in Europe, with major workers reaching 14 mm. Intense black-red bicolor. Inhabits conifer forests and dead wood. Very slow-growing colony but enormously long-lived.

Temperature

2026 °C

Humidity

5070%

Colony size

3,00010,000

Hibernation

October – April

Growth

🐌 Slow

Frequency

Every 6 days

Recommended feeding

Carbohydrates

Sugar waterDiluted honeyJam without preservatives

Proteins

CricketsMealwormsCockroachesFly pupae

Eats less frequently than other Camponotus. Slower metabolism adapted to cold.

NEVER give
CitrusSaltAvocadoPure honey
Nuptial flight

May – June

Warm spring mornings (16–22°C). One of the earliest flights of the year in cold regions.

Queens are very large (up to 18 mm). Short, localized flight. Queens seek rotting logs to found.

This species produces soldiers (majors) with differentiated morphology.

Major workers have the largest mandibles of any European Camponotus. Very long-lived (queen up to 25 years). Requires cool temperatures.

Queen activity by month

Estimated queen fertility (%)

¿Tienes una colonia de Camponotus herculeanus? Regístrala y monitoriza su evolución.