Camponotus longifacies

Camponotus longifacies

Colobopsis longifacies is one of the smallest Camponotus species in Australia, making it a unique choice for antkeepers who want a compact carpenter ant. Minor workers have a distinctly long face, while major workers have a more square-shaped face, a unusual trait among carpenter ants. The species was only described in 2003,so it's a relatively newly discovered ant with limited available care information. Workers are very small and can be mistaken for Iridomyrmex species at first glance due to their tiny size and similar body shape. This species nests in sandy soil in pastures and near Callitris trees, creating neat crater-shaped nest entrances.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Australia, specifically New South Wales (Narrandera) but occurs in all mainland Australian states. Nests in sandy soil in pastures and Callitris (conifer) areas ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Likely single-queen colonies based on typical Camponotus patterns. Colony structure is not directly documented for this species.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated 8-10mm, likely smaller than typical Camponotus queens given this is one of the smallest species in the genus
  • Worker: 3-6mm, very small for a Camponotus species ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, likely moderate for a small Camponotus species, possibly several hundred workers
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for small Camponotus species
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on typical Camponotus development at warm temperatures (Development time is not specifically documented for this species. Estimates based on genus-level patterns.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep nest area around 22-26°C. Australian species from temperate regions can tolerate a range, but warmth aids development. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest if room temperature falls below 20°C.
  • Humidity: Moderate, they nest in sandy soil which suggests they prefer drier conditions than many tropical ants. Keep substrate moderately moist but allow it to dry partially between waterings. Avoid waterlogging.
  • Diapause: Yes, Australian temperate species likely require a winter rest period. Reduce temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months during winter.
  • Nesting: Y-tong (acrylic) nests work well for their small size, or a plaster nest with sand-filled chambers. Test tube setups can work for founding colonies. Provide a small water tube for humidity. Their tiny size means chambers and passages should be appropriately scaled.
• Behavior: These ants are small and relatively docile. As carpenter ants, they don't sting but may bite if threatened. They are likely moderate foragers, searching for honeydew and small insects. Escape prevention is critical, their very small size means they can squeeze through standard barrier setups. Use fine mesh and tight-fitting lids.
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their very small size, they can slip through tiny gaps that larger ants cannot, limited available care information means keepers are essentially pioneers with this species, slow colony growth may lead to beginners losing patience and overfeeding, founding colonies are fragile, queens seal themselves in and must not be disturbed during claustral founding, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites that can decimate captive colonies

Nest Preferences

In the wild, Colobopsis longifacies nests in sandy soil in pastures and near Callitris trees, creating neat crater-shaped nest entrances. For captivity, Y-tong (acrylic) nests work well for their tiny workers, or you can use a plaster nest with appropriately scaled chambers. Test tube setups are suitable for founding colonies, use a small water tube and fill the rest with cotton. The key is providing chambers and tunnels sized for their very small 3-6mm workers. Avoid large, open spaces in the nest as these small ants feel more secure in tight spaces. A small outworld area connected to the nest is sufficient for foraging. ^[1][2]

Feeding and Diet

Like other Camponotus species, these ants are omnivorous. They likely feed on honeydew from aphids and scale insects in the wild, plus small insects for protein. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey water as a constant energy source. For protein, provide small prey items like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, small mealworms, or other appropriately sized insects. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, removing any uneaten prey after 24 hours. Since they are very small, prey items should be appropriately sized, nothing larger than their own body size. Fresh water should always be available.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep the nest area at 22-26°C for optimal brood development. A heating cable placed on top of the nest can maintain warmth if your room is cooler. Australian species from temperate regions benefit from a temperature gradient so ants can choose their preferred zone. During winter, provide a diapause period by reducing temperature to 10-15°C for 2-3 months. This mimics their natural seasonal cycle and helps maintain colony health. Do not cool them suddenly, reduce temperature gradually over 1-2 weeks. Keep them at normal temperatures outside of the diapause period.

Behavior and Temperament

Colobopsis longifacies is a relatively docile species. As carpenter ants, they can bite but rarely do so unless severely threatened. Their small size makes them less intimidating than larger carpenter ant species. Workers are likely moderate foragers, searching the outworld for food and carrying it back to the nest. The most critical husbandry concern is escape prevention, their very small 3-6mm size means they can slip through gaps that larger ants cannot. Use fine mesh (at least 0.5mm), apply Fluon or another barrier to the rim of the outworld, and ensure all lids fit tightly. Check for escapes daily, especially in the first few weeks of establishing a colony. ^[1]

Colony Founding

Like most Camponotus species, C. longifacies is claustral, the queen seals herself in a chamber and survives entirely on stored body fat until her first workers (nanitics) emerge. During founding, place the queen in a test tube setup with a small water reservoir. Keep the tube dark and undisturbed. Do not check on the queen daily, this stress can cause her to abandon or eat her brood. Wait at least 3-4 weeks before any inspection. Once nanitics appear, you can begin offering tiny amounts of sugar water, but the colony should be left mostly alone for the first few months. Only after the colony has several workers should you consider connecting an outworld.

Frequently Asked Questions

References