Quick answer. Camponotus sylvaticus is one of the most common carpenter ants in the Iberian Peninsula: large workers, of several sizes within the same colony, and activity mostly at dusk and at night. It's native, so it doesn't need heating, but it does need a clear winter diapause. It feeds on sugars and insects, and its growth is slow: don't expect hundreds of workers in the first year. In return, they are striking ants, calm to watch and very rewarding to keep if you respect their pace.
At a glance
| Origin | Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean basin |
| Activity | Crepuscular and nocturnal |
| Diet | Sugars and insects |
| Temperature | 20-26 °C in the active season |
| Diapause | Yes |
| Difficulty | Easy-medium, because it's slow |
What the species is like
What stands out most is the size of the major workers compared with the small ones, and how orderly the colony is. Since it's crepuscular, if you only watch it in the morning you'll think it does nothing; late in the day it's a completely different story.
Like all Camponotus, founding is slow. It's normal to have few workers for months before the pace picks up.
What the colony needs
A nest with a humid area and a dry area, little disturbance during founding and a cool winter. The plaster in the Terra range creates that gradient without any fuss, and a medium-sized foraging area is more than enough for the first year.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a colony?
At AntMaster it costs €0: a colony with a queen, in Free Ants, depending on seasonal availability.
Why isn't it growing?
Because it's slow by nature. Check temperature and food, but don't be alarmed if progress is modest.
Does it need insects?
Yes, animal protein sustains the brood. Sugar keeps the workers going.
Last updated: September 21, 2026.