Cardiocondyla obscurior
Cardiocondyla obscurior is a fascinating and adaptable ant species known for its small size, rapid colony growth, and tolerance for high humidity. They are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced ant keepers due to their resilience and ease of care.
These ants exhibit ergatoid males—wingless reproductive males that engage in territorial battles, making them unique among ants. They thrive in warm, humid environments and can often be found nesting in leaf litter, rotting wood, or soil in tropical and subtropical regions.
Keeping Difficulty: Easy (kept one or more species of ants recommended)
Colony Form: Monogyne (single queen) or Polygyne (multiple queens possible)
Queen Size: 2.5-3mm, light brown
Worker Size: 1.5-2mm, light brown to golden
Food: Sugary liquids (honey water, sugar water), protein from insects
Temperature: 22-28°C
Humidity: 60-80%
Founding: Fully claustral (does not require feeding during founding stage)
Colony Size: 100-5,000 workers
Hibernation: Not required
You Will Receive:
1x Queen with brood or workers depending on selection
1x Protein Shake for initial feeding
1x Pipette for easy hydration and feeding
Live Arrival Guarantee:
We ensure the live arrival of your queen through our secure packaging process. Our test tubes are packed in padded jiffy bags with additional bubble wrap protection to minimize stress during transit. We are the only UK-based company to offer both a live arrival guarantee and an additional 14-day health warranty if the colony remains in its original test tube.
Important Information About Our Guarantee:
Live Arrival Guarantee: Contact us within 24-48 hours if your queen arrives dead, with photographic proof of the original test tube setup.
14-Day Extended Guarantee (for European species only): The queen and workers must be kept in the original test tube and care instructions must be followed. Transferring them into a nest within this period voids the warranty.
Responsibility After Transfer: Once the ants are moved to a nest, we can no longer guarantee their survival due to external environmental factors (temperature, humidity, food supply, light exposure, vibrations, etc.). If the colony struggles, we can provide advice, but replacements will not be issued.
Important Legal Notice:
It is illegal to release non-native ant species into the wild. Doing so could harm local ecosystems, so responsible ant-keeping is essential.
By following our care guide, you can ensure a thriving and successful colony. If you have any issues, contact us for support—we are here to help you succeed in your ant-keeping journey!
