Camponotus fedtschenkoi

Camponotus fedtschenkoi (Yellow Carpenter Ant)
 
This variety of carpenter ant is found in regions across Central Asia, Southern Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Transcaucasia, Iran, and the Middle East.
 
Known for their striking amber-yellow colour, these ants can look quite unusual. In the hobby, variations are often seen, ranging from fully yellow individuals to those with segmented gasters - yellow at the base and black-striped. Please note: you may receive a queen that is darker or lighter than expected. While we try our best to accommodate preferences, we cannot guarantee specific colouration.
 
Like the queens, worker ants are typically yellow, but newborn callows can be almost translucent. This species is polymorphic, meaning workers can range from as small as 3mm (minors) to as large as 12mm (majors), and each size group has distinct tasks within the colony.
 
In the wild, nests are commonly found in deserts, uncultivated lands, and sandy mountain bases. It's important to note that this species is often misidentified as Camponotus turkestanus due to similar anatomical traits.
 
While this species is generally fast-moving, they tend to be shy when the colony is small. Unlike most ants, they exhibit nocturnal foraging behaviour in the wild, but they adapt well to captivity, as typical indoor lighting is dimmer compared to natural daylight.
 
For optimal growth, these ants should be kept at a temperature of 26.5-27°C and a relative humidity level of 50-60%.
 
This species is suitable for beginners as it is hardy and relatively slow-growing. They remain active throughout much of the year but benefit from a hibernation period between November and January.
 
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.