Camponotus sholensis

Camponotus sholensis

Camponotus sholensis is a newly described carpenter ant species from the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Major workers measure 7.7-9.5mm while minor workers are considerably smaller at 4.8-6.1mm. Queens are robust at 11.6-11.9mm. The species is entirely black with a gleaming, microreticulate body surface covered in long erect setae, giving them a distinctly fuzzy appearance. They closely resemble Camponotus lamarckii but can be distinguished by their cylindrical tibiae and less dense body pilosity. This species was only described in 2023,making it one of the newest additions to the ant-keeping hobby, and is named after Pampadum Shola National Park where it was discovered.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Pampadum Shola National Park, Kerala, India at 1700m elevation in thick evergreen forest ^[1]. Nests were found inside wooden logs covered with soil and grass. The region has an average daily temperature of 28°C ^[1].
• Colony Type: Colony structure has not been documented. Based on typical Camponotus patterns, this is likely a single-queen (monogyne) species with claustral founding where the queen seals herself in to raise her first workers alone.
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 11.6-11.9mm ^[1]
  • Worker: Major workers: 7.7-9.5mm, Minor workers: 4.8-6.1mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists for this newly described species
  • Growth: Moderate, based on typical Camponotus development patterns
  • Development: 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature, estimated based on typical Camponotus genus development (Development time is estimated from related Camponotus species. Actual timing may vary based on temperature and colony conditions.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep nest area around 24-28°C. The natural habitat averages 28°C daily, so aim for the warmer end of the Camponotus range. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a suitable gradient ^[1]
  • Humidity: Moderate to high, they naturally nest in rotting wood in a humid evergreen forest. Keep the nest substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide a water source in the outworld.
  • Diapause: Unknown for this species. Many Indian Camponotus from highland areas may have reduced activity periods during cooler months, but specific requirements are unconfirmed.
  • Nesting: Natural nesting preference is rotting wood logs covered with soil and grass ^[1]. In captivity, they do well in Y-tong (AAC) nests, naturalistic setups with wood pieces, or plaster nests that allow for slight moisture. Avoid completely dry setups.
• Behavior: Workers are moderately active and typically nocturnal or crepuscular, becoming more active during cooler parts of the day. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend the nest if threatened. Major workers have powerful mandibles but are not known for painful bites. They are moderate escape artists, use standard Camponotus escape prevention (fluon on rim edges, tight-fitting lids). Foragers will search the outworld for protein and sugar sources.
• Common Issues: newly described species, no captive breeding data exists yet, so care is based on genus-level inference, slow establishment phase, claustral queens may take months before first workers emerge, humidity control is important, too dry can cause founding failure, too wet can lead to mold, escape prevention needed, though not as tiny as some ants, they can still squeeze through small gaps, limited availability, this species is rarely available in the antkeeping hobby

Nest Preferences and Housing

In the wild, Camponotus sholensis nests inside rotting wooden logs covered with soil and grass ^[1]. This indicates they prefer enclosed, slightly humid spaces that mimic the interior of decaying wood. For captive care, Y-tong (AAC) nests work well because they provide dark chambers that ants prefer. Naturalistic setups with cork or wood pieces buried in soil also replicate their natural conditions. Plaster nests can work if you maintain slight moisture, but avoid completely dry setups. The nest should be placed in a dark area of your formicarium, as carpenter ants prefer to nest in shaded, protected spaces. Outworld size should be proportional to colony size, a small container works for founding colonies, expanding as the colony grows.

Feeding and Diet

As with other Camponotus species, these ants are omnivorous. They accept protein sources like mealworms, small crickets, and other insects. Sugar water, honey, or diluted jam provides necessary carbohydrates. In the wild, they likely forage for honeydew from aphids and scale insects, plus dead insects. Feed protein 2-3 times per week for growing colonies, and always keep a sugar source available. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. Minor workers will handle most foraging and food processing, while majors may tackle larger prey items with their powerful mandibles. Fresh water should always be available in the outworld.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

The natural habitat in Pampadum Shola averages 28°C daily ^[1], so these ants prefer warmer conditions than many temperate Camponotus. Keep the nest area at 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 temperature gradient. Avoid temperatures below 20°C for extended periods. Since this species comes from a tropical evergreen forest in Kerala, they likely do not require a true hibernation. However, some reduction in activity during cooler months may occur. Monitor your colony, if workers become less active and cluster together, you can slightly reduce temperatures. Do not let them get too cold.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Camponotus sholensis exhibits typical carpenter ant colony structure with major and minor worker castes. Major workers (7.7-9.5mm) have enlarged heads and are likely specialized for defense and processing hard food items. Minor workers (4.8-6.1mm) handle most foraging, brood care, and nest maintenance. Queens are claustral founders, after mating, the queen seals herself in a small chamber and raises her first brood alone, living entirely on her stored fat reserves until nanitic (first) workers emerge. This founding process can take 6-10 weeks or longer. Workers are not particularly aggressive but will bite if the nest is disturbed. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, becoming most active during dim light conditions. Colonies grow gradually over several years, with maximum size still unknown for this species. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References