Camponotus barbarucus Carpenter ant

Nevertheless, this ant is well-suited for both, beginners and seasoned enthusiasts due to its resilience and relatively faster growth rate, compared to other European species like Camponotus ligniperda. This species is gaining popularity in the hobby because of its impressive size (with queens reaching 16-17mm) and polymorphic traits (including minors, media, and majors). 

Interestingly, workers usually begin foraging in the early evening and continue until the early morning hours, as Camponotus barbaricus is primarily nocturnal (hunting mostly overnight).

Like most European carpenter queens, Camponotus barbarucus queen's lifespan is up to 21 years.

This type of carpenter or sugar ant is prevalent across Southern Europe and North Africa.

It ranks among the largest species in the EU, standing right behind the huge C. ligniperda and C. herculeanus. Members of this species are generally recognised by their shiny, black gaster and a reddish-brown body with yellowish tones underneath. In their natural habitat, colonies can be found in a range of environments, from soil-based nests to satellite nests beneath stones and decaying wood stumps. 

They are an agile species and may try to bite when disturbed!