Camponotus bishamon

Camponotus bishamon

Camponotus bishamon is a small carpenter ant native to the Nansei Islands and southern Japan. Major workers measure 5-5.5mm while minors are 4-4.5mm ^[1]. Their body is mostly black with a dark brown pronotum, and workers sometimes have tiny white spots on the first two abdominal segments ^[2]. This species is arboreal, meaning it nests in above-ground locations like dead wood, bamboo, and tree cavities rather than underground nests ^[1][3]. It closely resembles the related Camponotus vitiosus but can be distinguished by its straighter propodeum and thinner, asymmetrical petiolar scale ^[1].

What makes C. bishamon interesting is its distribution pattern, it's common in coastal forests of South Korea and the Ryukyu Islands, often outnumbering the more widespread C. vitiosus in these areas ^[2]. Being an island species adapted to subtropical conditions, it has different care requirements than typical temperate carpenter ants.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Nansei Islands (Ryukyu Islands) and southern Japan, including Amami-oshima, Okinawa, Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Yonaguni. Also found in coastal forests of South Korea. They are arboreal, nesting in dead wood, bamboo, and tree cavities in coastal forest habitats ^[1][2][3].
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen) based on typical Camponotus patterns. Colonies have been found with multiple queens (up to 3) in some samples ^[4], but this may represent temporary pleometrosis or multiple reproductive queens in established colonies.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unconfirmed size, estimated 7-9mm based on genus patterns
  • Worker: Major workers 5-5.5mm, minor workers 4-4.5mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Likely several hundred workers based on typical Camponotus colony sizes
  • Growth: Moderate, inferred from genus patterns
  • Development: 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature, estimated based on typical Camponorus development ^[1] (Development time estimated from related Camponotus species. Warmer temperatures within range may speed development.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 22-26°C. This subtropical island species prefers warmer conditions than temperate carpenter ants. A gentle gradient allowing workers to self-regulate is ideal ^[2].
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 50-70%. As an arboreal species, they prefer drier nest conditions than ground-nesting ants. Provide a water tube but avoid overly damp substrates.
  • Diapause: Likely minimal or no true diapause, being from subtropical islands, they may only slow down slightly in winter rather than entering full hibernation. However, this is inferred from habitat and not directly studied.
  • Nesting: Arboreal nesting preference, provide dead bamboo, hollow twigs, or wood formicarium. Y-tong nests or acrylic nests with narrow chambers work well. Avoid damp soil-based setups.
• Behavior: Generally calm temperament typical of carpenter ants. They are not aggressive but will defend their nest. Workers are active foragers, both tending honeydew-producing insects and hunting small prey. As an arboreal species, they are good climbers and may escape if given the chance. Escape prevention should be moderate, their medium size means standard barriers work well.
• Common Issues: subtropical species may not tolerate cool temperatures, keep warm, arboreal nesting means they need dead wood or bamboo, not soil nests, limited distribution data means colony size in captivity is uncertain, may be confused with similar species like C. vitiosus if misidentified, wild-caught colonies may have parasites from their native range

Nest Preferences

Camponotus bishamon is an arboreal species, meaning it naturally nests above ground in dead wood, bamboo stalks, and tree cavities ^[1][3]. In captivity, provide setups that mimic these conditions. Y-tong (AAC) nests work well because they offer narrow chambers that this species prefers. Acrylic nests with appropriately sized tunnels are also suitable. Avoid soil-based formicaria, this species does not burrow in soil. Dead bamboo sections or hollow twigs can be used as naturalistic additions. The nest should be relatively dry compared to ground-nesting ants, excessive moisture can be harmful. Place the nest in a warm area of the enclosure, as this subtropical species prefers temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s°C.

Feeding and Diet

Like other carpenter ants, C. bishamon is omnivorous. They collect honeydew from aphids and scale insects in nature, and will readily accept sugar water or honey in captivity. For protein, offer small insects like fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms, and other feeder insects. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, and keep a constant sugar source available. Being an arboreal forager, they are active hunters and will take live prey. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Given their small worker size (4-5.5mm), prey items should be appropriately sized, very small insects or crushed feeders work best for the minor workers. ^[1]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a species from the Nansei Islands (subtropical Japan) and coastal South Korea, C. bishamon prefers warmer conditions than typical temperate carpenter ants. Keep the nest area at 22-26°C, with a slight gradient allowing workers to choose their preferred temperature. A heating cable on one side of the nest can help maintain warmth, but avoid direct heat that could dry out the nest too quickly. In winter, room temperature is likely sufficient, this species may not need true hibernation. If you notice reduced activity in winter months, this is normal for subtropical species and they should resume normal activity when temperatures warm. Do not allow temperatures to drop below 18°C for extended periods. ^[2][1]

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

C. bishamon colonies grow moderately, with major and minor worker castes. The majors have enlarged heads and are better at defense and processing tough food, while minors handle most forager tasks. This species is not particularly aggressive but will bite if threatened. Workers are active foragers, patrolling trees and plants in search of honeydew and small prey. In the outworld, provide climbing structures like twigs or plants since they are arboreal by nature. They are medium-sized ants, so standard escape prevention (fluon on rim edges) is adequate, they are not escape artists like tiny species, but still require attention to prevent escapes. ^[1][2]

Growth and Development

Based on typical Camponotus patterns, expect 6-8 weeks from egg to first worker (nanitic) at optimal temperature. The first workers will be smaller (nanitics) and the colony will grow gradually as more workers emerge. Major workers appear as the colony matures. This species likely has moderate growth, not as fast as some tropical ants but faster than cold-climate species. Be patient during the founding stage, claustral queens seal themselves in and may not emerge until their first workers hatch. Do not disturb a founding queen during this time. Once workers arrive, the colony will begin accepting food. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References