Camponotus augustei

Camponotus augustei

Camponotus augustei is a small to medium-sized carpenter ant endemic to the island of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic). Major workers measure 5-6mm while minor workers are 4.5-5.5mm ^[1]. They resemble the related C. christophei but can be distinguished by their broader petiole and the complete absence of the two pale bands of pubescence on the gaster that its relative possesses. The body is dark with sparse, short, blunt white pubescence covering the head, thorax, and gaster uniformly.

This species is one of numerous Camponotus species endemic to Hispaniola, and we know surprisingly little about its biology in the wild. What we do know suggests it prefers moist forest habitats at elevations between 700-1,190 meters. Colonies have been found nesting in rotting tree boles, within wood at the base of live trees, and in downed sticks, typical wood-nesting behavior for carpenter ants. When their nests are disturbed, they exhibit a fascinating defensive behavior: remaining completely still to avoid detection, rather than fleeing aggressively.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Endemic to Hispaniola, found in Haiti (including the type locality at Petionville near Port-au-Prince) and the Dominican Republic. They inhabit moist forests at elevations of 700-1,190 meters, typically in areas between lowland dry forest and higher elevation pine forest ^[2][3].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. One documented colony contained hundreds of workers, suggesting mature colonies can reach moderate sizes ^[2]. Based on typical Camponotus patterns, they likely form single-queen colonies, but this has not been directly studied.
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Not directly described, estimated at 10-14mm based on genus patterns for a smaller Camponotus species
  • Worker: Major workers: 5-6mm, Minor workers: 4.5-5.5mm ^[1]
  • Colony: At least hundreds of workers based on field observations, likely up to 1,000-2,000 workers in mature colonies ^[2]
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for smaller Camponotus species
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature based on genus patterns for tropical/subtropical Camponotus (Development time is estimated from related species, direct measurements for this species are unavailable)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 22-26°C. Based on their elevation range (700-1,190m) in a subtropical Caribbean climate, they prefer moderate temperatures, warmer than temperate species but not as hot as lowland tropical ants. A room-temperature setup around 24°C works well, with a slight gradient if possible.
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (60-80%). They come from moist forest habitats, so keep the nest substrate consistently damp but not waterlogged. Provide a water tube for drinking access.
  • Diapause: Likely no true diapause required. As a Caribbean species from moderate elevations, they probably remain active year-round in captivity. However, a slight cooling period (15-18°C) during winter months may be beneficial if you're mimicking natural seasonal cues.
  • Nesting: Wood-nesting species. In captivity, they do well in Y-tong (AAC) nests, plaster nests, or naturalistic setups with rotting wood/corso bark. They prefer tight chambers scaled to their size. Avoid dry, arid setups, they need moisture-retaining nest materials.
• Behavior: These ants are relatively docile and not aggressive. When their nest is exposed, they show a unique defensive behavior, staying completely still rather than attacking or fleeing, which appears to be a camouflage strategy. Workers are moderately active foragers that likely tend aphids and collect honeydew, typical of Camponotus. They are not known to be escape artists, but use standard barrier precautions. Minor workers are small enough that some care with escape prevention is warranted.
• Common Issues: limited availability, this species is rarely available in the antkeeping hobby due to its restricted endemic range, slow colony growth, like many Camponotus, founding colonies take time to establish, humidity management, being from moist forests, they can suffer in dry conditions, very limited care information, much of captive care is inferred from genus patterns rather than species-specific research, stress response, their freeze-response to disturbance may be mistaken for death or inactivity

Nest Preferences and Housing

Camponotus augustei is a wood-nesting species. In the wild, colonies have been found in rotting downed tree boles, within wood at the base of live trees, and in downed sticks ^[2]. For captive care, Y-tong (AAC) nests work well because they provide darkness and humidity control. Plaster nests or naturalistic setups with corso bark and rotting wood pieces also suit them. The key is providing moist, rot-resistant nest materials that hold humidity without becoming soggy. They prefer tight chambers scaled to their body size, these ants are on the smaller side for Camponotus, so avoid overly large chambers. A water tube should always be available for drinking access.

Feeding and Diet

Like other Camponotus species, they are omnivorous with a preference for sugar sources. In the wild, workers likely tend aphids and scale insects for honeydew, and forage for small insects. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey regularly (every few days), and provide protein sources like small crickets, mealworms, or other insects weekly. They are not aggressive predators, so prey items should be small enough to handle. Some fruit can be offered occasionally as an additional sugar source. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. ^[1]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Based on their elevation range of 700-1,190m in the Caribbean, these ants prefer moderate temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius. A room-temperature setup around 22-26°C is ideal. They come from a subtropical climate without harsh winters, so they likely do not require a true diapause. However, slight seasonal cooling during winter months (dropping to 15-18°C for a few months) may help maintain natural cycles if you wish to mimic their native conditions. Avoid temperatures below 15°C or above 30°C for extended periods. Heating cables are generally not needed unless your room temperature falls below 20°C. ^[2][3]

Behavior and Temperament

One of the most interesting aspects of C. augustei behavior is their unique response to nest disturbance. When researchers exposed nest chambers in rotting wood, the ants remained completely still, a freeze response that appears designed to avoid detection rather than trigger an aggressive defense ^[2]. This makes them a relatively calm species to work with, though it also means they may seem inactive or even dead when their nest is first opened. They are not particularly aggressive and lack a painful sting. Workers are moderately active foragers. Escape prevention should be standard, while not the smallest ants, minor workers at 4.5mm can still slip through loose gaps.

Colony Establishment and Growth

Establishing a colony takes patience. Like other Camponotus, the queen is likely claustrally founding, she seals herself in a chamber and raises her first workers (nanitics) entirely on stored body fat, never leaving to forage. The founding chamber should be kept dark and undisturbed. First workers typically emerge in 6-8 weeks under optimal conditions. Initial colony growth is slow as the queen lays only a small batch of eggs. Once nanitics mature, the colony enters a growth phase with worker numbers increasing more steadily. A mature colony may contain hundreds to over a thousand workers. Colonies at this size have been observed in the wild ^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

References