Camponotus eurynotus

Camponotus eurynotus

Camponotus eurynotus is a Neotropical carpenter ant belonging to the subgenus Myrmeurynota. Workers are polymorphic, meaning they come in different sizes, a common trait in the Camponotus genus. This species was originally described from Brazil (Tocantins) in 1907 and has since been recorded across northern South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia ^[1]. Workers are typically dark with lighter appendages, characteristic of many carpenter ants in the genus. The species has been found at elevations around 980m in Colombian cloud forests, suggesting it prefers humid, shaded forest environments ^[2]. As a Neotropical species, these ants are active year-round without true hibernation, though they may reduce activity during cooler or drier periods.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Neotropical region, originally described from Brazil (Tocantins), with confirmed records in Pará, Brazil (Belém, Oriximiná), Colombia (Antioquia at 980m elevation), Bolivia, and Ecuador ^[1][2][3]. Found in humid tropical and cloud forest environments at mid elevations.
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen colony) based on typical Camponotus patterns, though colony structure has not been directly documented for this species.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 12-15mm based on genus Camponotus patterns
  • Worker: 5-10mm (polymorphic, major and minor workers)
  • Colony: Likely several hundred workers based on typical Camponotus colony development
  • Growth: Moderate, expect 6-10 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature
  • Development: 6-10 weeks at 24-26°C, typical for Neotropical Camponotus species (Development time is estimated based on typical Camponotus patterns, actual timing may vary. Nanitics (first workers) are smaller than normal workers.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. As a Neotropical species from mid-elevation cloud forests, they prefer warm but not extreme temperatures. 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 in Brazilian and Colombian cloud forests is humid. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, with some drier areas available
  • Diapause: No true diapause required. As a Neotropical species, they are active year-round. However, you may reduce feeding and slightly lower temperatures (to around 20-22°C) during what would be their dry season, roughly November-February
  • Nesting: In captivity, standard formicarium setups work well. Y-tong (AAC) nests, plaster nests, or naturalistic setups with soil substrate all work for Camponotus. They prefer dark, humid chambers. Ensure the nest has chambers scaled to their size with adequate humidity retention
• Behavior: Camponotus eurynotus has typical carpenter ant behavior, generally non-aggressive but will defend the nest if threatened. Workers are moderately active and forage both day and night. As polymorphic workers, you'll see both smaller minor workers and larger major workers (soldiers) in established colonies. They are good climbers, so escape prevention is important. Major workers can deliver a mild sting if handled roughly, though they are not considered dangerous
• Common Issues: limited specific care information, this species is poorly documented in scientific literature, so keepers may need to adapt based on colony behavior, escape prevention is important, Camponotus are excellent climbers and will find any gap in setup, humidity management can be tricky, too wet causes mold, too dry causes brood death, slow founding phase, claustral queens take 6-10 weeks before first workers emerge, beginners often give up too soon, wild-caught colonies may have parasites or diseases that manifest after collection

Housing and Nest Setup

Camponotus eurynotus does well in standard ant-keeping setups. A test tube setup works for founding colonies, use a test tube with a water reservoir separated by a cotton plug, providing humidity for the founding queen. Once the colony reaches 20-30 workers, you can transition to a proper formicarium. Y-tong (AAC) nests are excellent for this species because they hold humidity well while providing dark chambers. Plaster nests or naturalistic setups with soil also work. The key is maintaining moderate to high humidity (60-80%) while ensuring good ventilation to prevent mold. Because they are good climbers, apply fluon or use tight-fitting barriers to prevent escapes. A gradient setup with a heating cable on one end allows workers to regulate their temperature by moving between warmer and cooler areas.

Feeding and Diet

Like most Camponotus species, C. eurynotus is omnivorous. They accept sugar sources readily, offer sugar water, honey, or diluted maple syrup as a constant energy source. For protein, provide insects such as mealworms, crickets, fruit flies, or other small arthropods. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, adjusting based on colony size and consumption. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. In the wild, these ants likely forage for honeydew from aphids and scale insects, plus hunt small invertebrates. A varied diet helps ensure healthy colony development. Major workers (the larger ants) often specialize in cutting larger prey items and defending the nest.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a Neotropical species from mid-elevation cloud forests in Brazil and Colombia, Camponotus eurynotus prefers temperatures in the 24-28°C range. Avoid temperatures below 20°C or above 32°C for extended periods. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a temperature gradient that allows the ants to self-regulate. Place the heating on top of the nest, not underneath, to prevent excessive drying. Unlike temperate species, they do not require true hibernation. However, you might observe reduced activity during what would be the dry season in their native range (roughly November-February), when you can slightly reduce feeding and allow temperatures to drop to around 20-22°C. This rest period is optional but may benefit long-term colony health.

Colony Development and Growth

Camponotus eurynotus follows typical claustral founding. The queen seals herself in a small chamber and does not leave to forage, she lives entirely on stored fat reserves while raising the first brood. Expect 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature (24-26°C) before the first workers (nanitics) emerge. These first workers are smaller than normal workers but begin foraging to feed the colony. Growth is moderate, a well-fed colony might reach 100 workers within 6-12 months under good conditions. The colony will produce larger major workers as it grows, which specialize in defense and heavy food processing. Patience is key during the founding phase, many beginners mistakenly think something is wrong when the queen stays inactive for weeks. This is normal claustral behavior.

Behavior and Temperament

This species has typical Camponotus temperament, generally calm and not aggressive toward keepers, but willing to defend the nest if threatened. Workers are moderately active and will explore the outworld for food. The presence of major workers (larger ants with bigger heads) adds visual interest to established colonies. They are primarily nocturnal foragers in the wild, though in captivity they often forage whenever food is available. They communicate through chemical trails, when a forager finds food, they leave a pheromone trail for others to follow. They are excellent climbers on most surfaces, so escape prevention is essential. While they can deliver a mild sting, they are not considered dangerous to humans and rarely sting unless provoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

References