Camponotus cosmicus

Camponotus cosmicus (Shiny African Sugar Ant)
 
A type of carpenter ant that is widespread throughout South & East Africa. Queens of this species of medium-large sized, shiny ant measure upto 14mm and workers reach upto 9mm as majors. As other species of the Camponotus genera, this ant has both minor and major worker ants. In addition to their glossy gaster, this species can usually be distinguished by its slight reddish colouration on the thorax and legs. 
 
In the wild, colonies are often found underground in areas of grassland and therefore, these soild-dwelling ants have adapted to a range of granular soil types. However, these can often be observed nesting below rocks and similar structures within man-made habitats such as banana plantations. 
 
As these ants cover a large range, they can often tolerate and thrive in different temperature and humidity conditions as they can be found in subtropical regions as well as semi-desert habitats. Therefore, it's recommended to keep these ants at a temperature of 21-24C and 30-50% humidity. 
 
In terms of feeding, they will take a range of insects, from crickets to fruit flies. 
 
Colony growth development is rather slow as other Camponotus spp. species however, after a number of years, mature colonies can reach thousands of individuals.
 
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.