Camponotus lasiselene

Camponotus lasiselene

Camponotus lasiselene is a small to medium-sized carpenter ant belonging to the subgenus Orthonotomyrmex. Workers measure around 4.4mm and display a striking appearance with a black opaque body covered in extremely abundant whitish erect hairs, this dense pilosity is the key distinguishing feature that separates it from its close relative Camponotus selene ^[1]. The species has distinctive sickle-shaped spines on the propodeum, brownish-red mandibles, antennae and tarsi, and a large cylindrical gaster. This is a polymorphic species with both minor and major workers ^[2].

This ant is found across southern China, Thailand, Nepal and Vietnam, primarily in tropical and subtropical forests. It nests in both ground locations and tree trunks, and has been recorded at elevations ranging from near sea level to over 1500m. The species was described in 1994 from Yunnan Province, China, and represents one of three Orthonotomyrmex species found in Thailand ^[3].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to Yunnan Province, China, with confirmed records in Thailand, Nepal and Vietnam. Found in rainforest, mixed deciduous forest, and hill evergreen forest habitats. Nests in both ground locations and tree trunks at elevations from lowland to 1500m ^[4][5][6].
• Colony Type: Single-queen colonies (monogyne). This is a polymorphic species with minor and major workers.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unconfirmed size, estimated 8-10mm based on typical Camponotus queen size range
  • Worker: 4.4mm (minor workers described in type material) ^[1]
  • Colony: Estimated 500-2000 workers based on typical Camponotus colony growth patterns
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for Camponotus species
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature based on genus-level Camponotus data (Development time inferred from typical Camponotus genus patterns. Queens are likely claustral (seal themselves in) as is typical for the genus.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 22-26°C. This species comes from warm subtropical to tropical regions of Yunnan and Thailand, so provide moderate warmth. A gentle gradient allowing workers to self-regulate is ideal.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 50-70%. Provide a moist nest chamber but ensure ventilation prevents stagnation. These ants tolerate some dryness but prefer conditions that don't fully dry out.
  • Diapause: Likely required. Given the temperate-to-subtropical origin in Yunnan (which experiences winter), a hibernation period of 2-3 months at 10-15°C is recommended.
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC), plaster, or naturalistic setups work well. Provide narrow chambers scaled to their size. They accept both test tube setups and formicaria. Nest should have some moisture but not be waterlogged.
• Behavior: Generally calm and non-aggressive for a carpenter ant. Workers are moderately active foragers that search for honeydew and small insects. They are not particularly defensive and rarely sting. Escape risk is moderate, use standard Camponotus escape prevention (fluon on edges, tight-fitting lids). Major workers can deliver a mild sting if handled roughly.
• Common Issues: colonies may fail if kept too cold, maintain warmth above 20°C, overheating can be fatal, avoid direct heat sources and monitor temperatures, wild-caught colonies may have parasites, quarantine and observe new colonies, slow initial growth during founding phase is normal, don't overfeed or disturb claustral queen, dry conditions can cause colony decline, monitor humidity and provide moisture

Housing and Nest Setup

Camponotus lasiselene adapts well to various captive setups. Test tubes work excellent for founding colonies, use a standard test tube setup with a water reservoir and cotton plug, providing a dark environment for the claustral queen. Once the colony reaches 20-30 workers, you can transition to a formicarium. Y-tong (AAC) nests are particularly suitable as they allow you to observe the colony while providing appropriate chamber sizes. Plaster nests also work well, especially if you want to maintain consistent humidity. Whatever setup you choose, ensure the nest chambers are appropriately sized, these are not large ants, so overly spacious chambers can stress the colony. Provide a foraging area connected to the nest where you can offer food. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Like most Camponotus species, C. lasiselene is omnivorous with a preference for sugar sources. Offer sugar water, honey, or diluted maple syrup as a constant energy source. For protein, provide small insects like fruit flies, small crickets, or mealworms. In the wild, these ants likely forage for honeydew from aphids and scale insects, so sugar sources mimic their natural diet well. During founding, the queen does not eat, she relies on stored fat reserves. Once workers emerge, they will readily accept sugar water and small prey items. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, adjusting based on colony size. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. ^[1]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Maintain temperatures between 22-26°C for optimal colony development. This species originates from subtropical Yunnan and tropical Thailand, so they prefer warmth but not extreme heat. Room temperature within this range works well for established colonies. During the founding phase, avoid temperature fluctuations that could stress the queen. In winter, given the Yunnan origin which experiences cool winters, provide a hibernation period of 2-3 months at 10-15°C. This diapause helps synchronize the colony's annual cycle and promotes healthy development. Reduce feeding during hibernation and keep the nest slightly cooler but not cold. ^[4][5]

Colony Development and Growth

C. lasiselene is a polymorphic Camponotus species, meaning colonies produce both minor and major workers. Major workers (soldiers) develop as the colony grows larger and are used for defense and processing tough food items. Development from egg to worker takes approximately 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature, though this is estimated based on typical Camponotus genus patterns since specific development data is not available for this species. The founding queen seals herself in a chamber (claustral founding) and does not leave to forage, she survives entirely on stored body fat until her first workers emerge. These first workers (nanitics) are typically smaller than normal workers but quickly begin foraging to support further colony growth. ^[1]

Behavior and Temperament

This is a relatively calm carpenter ant species. Workers are moderately active and will forage for sugar sources and small prey. They are not particularly aggressive and rarely sting, though major workers can deliver a mild sting if threatened. The species shows typical Camponotus foraging behavior, workers will establish trails to food sources and tend aphids for honeydew. They are not escape artists in the same league as tiny species like Pheidole, but standard escape prevention (fluon barriers, tight-fitting lids) should still be used. The dense pilosity (abundant body hairs) that distinguishes this species from related ants is visible on workers and gives them a distinctive fuzzy appearance. ^[2][3]

Frequently Asked Questions

References