Camponotus devestivus

Camponotus devestivus

Camponotus devestivus is a medium-sized carpenter ant native to Japan and parts of China. Workers measure 7-10mm with a distinctive color pattern: the head is brown to dark brown, the mesosoma and legs are yellowish brown, and the gaster is brown to blackish brown ^[1]. This species belongs to the subgenus Tanaemyrmex and is known for having three distinct worker subcastes, minor, media, and major workers ^[1]. They nest in tree trunks and dead twigs, which makes them a classic arboreal carpenter ant ^[1]. The species was first described by Wheeler in 1928 from specimens collected at Atami, Japan.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Yaku Island, Ryukyu Islands) and China (Ningxia). Found in tree trunks and dead twigs across warm temperate to subtropical regions ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen) based on typical Camponotus patterns. Colonies contain three worker subcastes ^[1].
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 12-15mm based on genus patterns (Camponotus queens are typically larger than workers)
  • Worker: 7-10mm ^[3][1]
  • Colony: Likely several hundred workers based on typical Camponotus colony development
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for carpenter ants
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature based on genus patterns (Development time is typical for Camponotus species in temperate climates. First workers (nanitics) are smaller than mature workers.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 20-26°C with a gentle gradient. Room temperature (around 22°C) is typically suitable for this Japanese species ^[1].
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity (50-60%). Provide a water source but avoid overly damp conditions. These ants are arboreal nesters so they tolerate drier conditions than ground-nesting species.
  • Diapause: Yes, this is a temperate Japanese species that requires winter hibernation. Reduce temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter.
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) nests work well for this species. Plaster nests or wooden formicaria are also suitable since they naturally nest in wood. Provide dead twigs or wood pieces in naturalistic setups.
• Behavior: Generally calm and non-aggressive for a Camponotus species. Workers are active foragers but not particularly aggressive toward keepers. They are primarily arboreal but will forage on the ground. Escape risk is moderate, use standard barrier methods. Major workers can defend the colony with their mandibles if threatened.
• Common Issues: colonies grow slowly during the first year which can discourage beginners, hibernation failure is common if temperatures aren't properly reduced, wild-caught colonies may have parasites or diseases that cause colony loss, test tube setups can flood if water reservoirs are overfilled, queens may abandon founding chambers if disturbed too frequently

Housing and Nest Setup

Camponotus devestivus does well in Y-tong (AAC) nests which mimic their natural arboreal nesting sites. The chambers should be appropriately sized, not too large for smaller colonies, but spacious enough as the colony grows. Plaster nests also work well and help maintain stable humidity. For naturalistic setups, provide dead twigs or small wood pieces that the ants can use for nesting. A small outworld for foraging is essential. Use standard escape prevention with fluon on tube edges or barrier tape. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Like most Camponotus species, these ants are omnivorous. They accept sugar sources readily (honey water, sugar water) and protein sources like mealworms, crickets, and other small insects. In the wild, they likely tend aphids for honeydew and hunt small invertebrates. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and provide constant access to sugar water. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Maintain temperatures between 20-26°C. Room temperature in most homes (22-24°C) is ideal for this species. During summer months, ensure the nest is not in direct sunlight which can cause overheating. In winter, this Japanese species requires a diapause period. Reduce temperatures to 10-15°C for 2-3 months (typically November through February in the Northern Hemisphere). Do not feed during hibernation but provide a small water source. ^[1]

Colony Development

A newly mated queen will seal herself in a claustral chamber and lay eggs after 1-2 weeks. She feeds the first larvae from her stored fat reserves. First workers (nanitics) emerge after 6-8 weeks and begin foraging. The colony grows slowly at first, expect 10-30 workers in the first year. Growth accelerates once the first major workers appear. A mature colony may reach several hundred workers over several years. The presence of three worker subcastes (minor, media, major) becomes more pronounced as the colony grows. ^[1]

Behavior and Temperament

This is a relatively calm carpenter ant species. Workers are active foragers but not particularly aggressive. Major workers can deliver a painful bite if provoked but they generally retreat rather than attack. They are primarily arboreal but will forage on the ground between nesting sites and food sources. Workers communicate using chemical trails and can recruit nestmates to food discoveries. They are not known for being particularly escape-prone compared to smaller ant species.

Frequently Asked Questions

References