Camponotus singularis vs Camponotus nicobarensis: Which Asian Carpenter Ant to Choose?

Nov 2

2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Camponotus singularis and Camponotus nicobarensis are two of the most popular Asian carpenter ants in the hobby. Both are beautiful, active and easy to feed, but they are very different to keep. Which one suits you best? Here is how they compare.

Quick comparison

Size: singularis is a giant, with majors almost as big as the queen; nicobarensis is clearly smaller.
Looks: singularis has a red head and a silvery body; nicobarensis is reddish brown, with majors that have large orange heads.
Workers: singularis has two sizes, minors and majors; nicobarensis has workers in all sizes.
Growth: nicobarensis can grow explosively when warm; singularis starts slowly and grows steadily.
Queens: singularis has one queen; we keep nicobarensis with one or several queens.
Winter rest: singularis needs warmth all year; for nicobarensis a mild winter rest is recommended.
Handling: singularis is fragile and needs a calm setup; nicobarensis is more forgiving.
Price: nicobarensis is affordable; singularis is a premium species.
Best for: nicobarensis for beginners; singularis for keepers who want a showpiece.

Size and looks

Camponotus singularis major with a red head carrying a cricket — A Camponotus singularis major.

This is the biggest difference. Camponotus singularis is a true giant, with majors that come close to the size of the queen and red heads that stand out against a silvery body. Camponotus nicobarensis is smaller and more slender, with reddish brown workers and majors with large orange heads. Both are beautiful, but singularis is the one that makes visitors stop and stare. Read more about this giant in 10 facts about Camponotus singularis.

Growth

Camponotus nicobarensis has a short time from egg to worker, so a colony that is kept warm can grow explosively. Camponotus singularis starts slowly, like most large carpenter ants, and grows steadily once the colony is warm and well fed. If you want to see a colony fill a nest quickly, nicobarensis is the better choice.

Warmth and winter rest

Camponotus singularis is a tropical ant that needs warmth all year and no winter rest. Most Camponotus nicobarensis in the hobby come from a region in China with cooler winters, so for them a mild winter rest during the colder months is recommended, without heating.

Handling and difficulty

Camponotus nicobarensis is forgiving and one of the best exotic species to start with. Camponotus singularis is not difficult either, but it is more fragile: its long legs and antennae are easily damaged, it prefers a dark nest and it does best when it is disturbed as little as possible.

Which one should you choose?

A Camponotus singularis colony inside its nest — A Camponotus singularis colony.

Starting with your first exotic ant? Then Camponotus nicobarensis is the better choice: fast, forgiving and affordable. Read the Camponotus nicobarensis care guide and have a look at our Camponotus nicobarensis colonies. Want a spectacular showpiece with giant red-headed majors, and can you give it warmth all year and a quiet spot? Then Camponotus singularis is the one for you. Read the Camponotus singularis care guide and see our Camponotus singularis colonies.