Question 1

Can I keep Camponotites induratus as a pet?

Accepted Answer

No. Camponotites induratus is an extinct species known only from fossils that are approximately 20 million years old. No living colonies exist and cannot be obtained. If you're interested in keeping ants, you will need to choose a living species.

Question 2

Where can I find a Camponotites induratus specimen?

Accepted Answer

Fossil specimens of Camponotites induratus have been found in the Miocene deposits of Radoboj, Croatia. Some specimens are housed in museum collections. Purchasing fossils may be possible from paleontological dealers, but this is paleontology, not antkeeping. The specimens are preserved in rock, not living ants.

Question 3

What did Camponotites induratus look like?

Accepted Answer

Based on fossil specimens, queens measured 13.5-17mm in body length, making them quite large ants. They had heads longer than wide with parallel sides, oval eyes, and antennae with the scape extending beyond the posterior corner of the head. The mesosoma was relatively robust, and the propodeum (rear body section) was angular. Males were smaller at around 10mm [1].

Question 4

When did Camponotites induratus live?

Accepted Answer

This species lived during the Early Miocene epoch, approximately 20 million years ago. The fossil specimens come from sedimentary deposits in Radoboj, Croatia [1][2].

Question 5

Are there any living relatives of Camponotites induratus?

Accepted Answer

Camponotites belongs to the subfamily Formicinae, which includes many living genera such as Camponotus (carpenter ants), Lasius, Formica, and Polyrhachis. While C. induratus itself is extinct, these modern genera represent its evolutionary relatives. If you're interested in keeping ants with a similar evolutionary background, a Camponotus species would be the closest option.

Question 6

What is the scientific history of Camponotites induratus?

Accepted Answer

The species was first described by Oswald Heer in 1849 under the name Camponotites induratus. It was transferred to Camponotus by Mayr in 1867,and most recently moved to its own genus Camponotites in 2024. It was also previously synonymized with Camponotites pinguiculus, but this was later determined to be a separate species [1].

Question 7

How big were Camponotites induratus ants?

Accepted Answer

Queens were quite large, measuring 13.5-17mm in body length. Males were smaller at approximately 10mm. For comparison, this is similar in size to modern carpenter ants (Camponotus), which are among the larger ants kept in captivity [1].

Question 8

What is the closest living ant species I can keep?

Accepted Answer

Since Camponotites induratus belongs to the subfamily Formicinae, the closest living relatives would be ants in the genus Camponotus. Camponotus floridanus, Camponotus pennsylvanicus, and Camponotus novaeboracensis are all popular in the antkeeping hobby. These large carpenter ants are generally considered moderate difficulty and make fascinating pets.

Question 9

Where is Camponotites induratus found?

Accepted Answer

Camponotites induratus is found in 1 countries, including Croatia.

Question 10

What is the colony form of Camponotites induratus?

Accepted Answer

The colony form of Camponotites induratus is not specified.

Question 11

How do I cite AntScout data?

Accepted Answer

To cite this documentation, use: AntScout. (2026). Camponotites induratus Species Profile. Retrieved from https://antscout.com/species/camponotites-induratus

Camponotites induratus

Camponotites induratus Overview

No caresheet needed

No specimens available

Literature

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