Camponotus dalmasi

Camponotus dalmasi

Camponotus dalmasi is a small to medium-sized carpenter ant native to northern South America, found throughout Colombia and into Venezuela. Workers measure 3.2-5mm, with the larger major workers displaying the genus characteristic robust build. This species belongs to the bidens group within the subgenus Myrmobrachys, distinguished by their moderately acute propodeal spines and a uniquely elevated anterior section of the dorsopropodeo that sets them apart from similar species like C. bidens and C. bispinosus ^[1][2]. The petiole lacks spines, which helps separate them from other bidens-group members ^[2].

This species occupies surprisingly diverse habitats for a tropical ant, found in dry shrubland, forested areas, and even urban environments ^[2]. They are among the less commonly kept Camponotus species in captivity, reflecting both their limited distribution and the relatively recent interest in Neotropical ant keeping. Their association with termite nests in the wild (found nesting alongside Crematogaster in termite colonies) suggests they may have interesting nesting biology that differs from typical carpenter ants ^[1][3].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Northern South America, specifically Colombia (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Magdalena, Antioquia, San Andrés) and Venezuela. Found in dry shrubland, forests, and urban areas ^[2][4].
• Colony Type: Single-queen (monogyne) colonies, typical for Camponotus species. Colony structure in the wild has not been extensively documented.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, not directly measured in available literature. Based on genus patterns, likely 12-16mm.
  • Worker: 3.2-5mm ^[1]. Minor workers around 3.2mm, major workers up to 5mm.
  • Colony: Unknown, likely several hundred workers based on typical Camponotus patterns for a tropical species.
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for tropical Camponotus species
  • Development: 6-8 weeks, estimated based on typical Camponotus development at optimal tropical temperatures (Development time is estimated from genus-level data since species-specific research is lacking. Warm temperatures (24-28°C) will accelerate development.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. This is a tropical species from Colombia and Venezuela, so they prefer warm conditions. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a gradient allowing workers to self-regulate.
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (60-80%). Their natural habitat includes forested areas, so they benefit from moisture. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide a water tube for drinking.
  • Diapause: No, as a tropical species from northern South America, they do not require hibernation. However, a slight reduction in temperature during the dry season (keeping them around 20-22°C for a few months) may simulate natural conditions and promote colony health.
  • Nesting: In the wild, they have been found in termite nests and likely nest in rotting wood or soil cavities. In captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster nest works well. Provide a dark, secure nesting area with some moisture. Because workers are only 3-5mm, ensure chambers are appropriately scaled.
• Behavior: These ants are relatively docile for a Camponotus species, they are not particularly aggressive and rarely show defensive behavior toward keepers. Workers are active foragers, both on the ground and likely in vegetation given their arboreal tendencies. They are attracted to sweet baits in the wild ^[2], so sugar water or honey should be readily accepted. Escape prevention is important, while not the smallest ants, their 3-5mm size means they can squeeze through small gaps. Use standard barrier methods like fluon on test tube rims.
• Common Issues: limited availability, this species is rarely available in the antkeeping hobby, making colonies difficult to acquire, escape risk, small worker size means they can slip through standard test tube barriers if not properly sealed, humidity control, being from humid forest habitats, colonies may struggle in dry environments, slow founding, claustral queens may take 6-8 weeks to produce first workers, and beginners often disturb nests during this critical period, lack of species-specific care data, most care recommendations are inferred from genus patterns rather than direct observation

Nest Preferences and Housing

In their natural habitat across Colombia and Venezuela, Camponotus dalmasi has been found nesting in association with termite colonies, specifically documented sharing a nest with Crematogaster ants inside a termite nest structure ^[1][3]. This suggests they may prefer pre-existing cavities rather than excavating their own, which is common in many Myrmobrachys species. In captivity, provide a nest with dark chambers that mimic these natural cavities. Y-tong (AAC) nests work exceptionally well for this species, as do plaster nests or acrylic formicariums. The chambers should be appropriately sized for their 3-5mm workers, tight-fitting spaces help them feel secure. Include a water reservoir connected to a cotton plug for humidity, and ensure the nest can be kept at stable warm temperatures between 24-28°C.

Feeding and Diet

Field observations show these ants are readily attracted to sweet baits ^[2], confirming they have a sweet tooth typical of Camponotus species. In captivity, offer sugar water (1:3 ratio sugar to water) or honey as a constant energy source. For protein, provide typical ant prey items: mealworms, small crickets, or other small insects. Since workers are only 3-5mm, prey items should be appropriately sized, small pieces are better than large chunks. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, and keep sugar sources available at all times. Fresh fruit (like apple or banana) can also be offered occasionally. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold issues in the nest.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a tropical species from Colombia and Venezuela, Camponotus dalmasi requires warm conditions year-round. Maintain nest temperatures between 24-28°C for optimal brood development. A heating cable placed on top of the nest (never underneath where it can dry out the substrate) creates a gentle thermal gradient. Room temperature around 22-24°C is acceptable, but cooler conditions will slow development significantly. Unlike temperate species, they do not require true hibernation. However, some keepers report success with a slight seasonal cooldown to around 20-22°C for 2-3 months during what would be the dry season in their native range, this may help synchronize colony cycles but is not strictly necessary for colony health. ^[2]

Colony Founding and Development

Like all Camponotus species, C. dalmasi queens are claustral, they seal themselves in a chamber and raise their first workers entirely on stored fat reserves, never leaving to forage during founding. A newly mated queen should be placed in a test tube setup with a water reservoir, then left completely undisturbed for 6-8 weeks until the first nanitic (first-generation) workers emerge. The nanitics will be smaller than normal workers due to limited nutrition during founding. After the first workers (nanitics) appear, you can begin offering tiny amounts of sugar water and small protein items near the nest entrance. Do not disturb the queen during this critical period, vibrations and light can cause her to abandon or consume the brood. Colony growth is moderate, expect several months to reach 20-30 workers, and a year or more to reach 100+ workers. ^[1]

Behavior and Temperament

Camponotus dalmasi is considered one of the more docile carpenter ant species, showing minimal aggression toward keepers. Workers are active foragers, both on the ground and likely climbing vegetation given their subgenus (Myrmobrachys) tendencies. They are not known for aggressive swarming or painful stings, while they may spray formic acid as a defense, the small worker size means it's rarely noticeable to humans. Their small size (3-5mm workers) makes them excellent escape artists, so use proper barrier methods. They are not particularly shy and will readily explore outworlds once established. The unique elevated dorsopropodeo (the hump on their back) is not just cosmetic, it may serve a defensive or species-recognition function and is visible even to the naked eye on major workers. ^[1][2]

Frequently Asked Questions

References