Camponotus fellah
Camponotus fellah
A large, extremely active and aggressive species of ant found throughout Northern Africa & the Middle East. Camponotus fellah colonies are land dwelling and are often found deeply underground within steppe & semi-desert habitats.
Like other species of belonging to the genera Camponotus spp. , large majors with powerful mandibles will develop as the colony matures. These impressive worker ants can reach almost the same size of the queen at 16-18mm.
Mature colonies can often be found to contain upto 8-12,000 individuals. However, such sizes takes many years to establish due to their relatively slow growing nature.
This black and orange (underside) species of ant is active throughout the day and will readily accept a large range of insects, from mealworms to fruit flies to roaches!
Fun fact! Whilst all Camponotus spp. species harbour a type of bacteria (for immunological advantages), maintaining a type of mutualistic relationship, it has been specifically observed that founding queens rely on this bacteria to succesfully found their colony. Those without this bacteria were typically more susceptible to attacks from pathogens such as phorid flies!
To ensure colonies thrive, it is recommended that they are kept at a relatively high temperature between 25-28C and moderate humidity level of 50%.
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.
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