5 replies to this topic

[rbaezam]

Hi, I would love some help from the expert to identify this ants.

 

This is a colony I rescued from a log. They look like Camponotus,but smaller. 

 

Location of collection: log found in a park in Merida, Yucatan Mexico.

Date of collection: January 11, 2016.
Length: small workers like 4mm, soldiers like 6mm and queen like 8-10mm.
Coloration, head and torax is like brown and gaster like black with a gray line.
Distinguishing characteristics: they are not aggressive, they prefer to run and hide if bothered. Sometimes when walking, they put their gaster below their body.
Nest description: rotted log.
 

[Jonathan21700]

Camponotus sp. probably.

[Mdrogun]

It is for sure Camponotus.

[rbaezam]

Hi, after doing more research using antmaps.org, it seems to be Camponotus planatus.

 

Thanks to both of you.

Edited by rbaezam, January 13 2016 - 9:47 AM.

[James C. Trager]

Confirming, Camponotus planatus. Keep us posted on how these do in captivity. My impression is they need a lot of warmth to behave and develop normally.

 

(Note, the second part of a scientific name is never capitalized.)

[rbaezam]

Hi James, thanks for the note, I didn't know that.

 

I'll be posting pictures and videos about the colony, so far they are doing well. They have been eating the dead insects and they love sugar water.