Camponotus herculeanus (queen, 0-5 workers, eggs)

Species Info:

• General: Easy to keep in captivity, sugar-loving, and slow-growing but very rewarding. Mature colonies develop impressive major workers.
• Diet: Liquid sugars (honey, sugar water) plus proteins such as fruit flies, crickets, and mealworms. Fruit flies are a favorite. Feed daily or every few days depending on colony size.
• Temperature: Best kept around 82°F using a heat mat, cable, or heated room for optimal growth.
• Diapause: Requires a 3-4 month cooling period at roughly 40°F. A wine cooler, mini-fridge, or unheated room above freezing works well.
• Growth: Brood develops in 5-9 weeks, averaging 7-8 weeks. Queens lay eggs in batches. Colonies grow slowly for the first 1-2 years but can reach the hundreds within 2-3 years.